What is included in an Estate Plan?
As a lawyer, I can advise you on what typically should be included in an Estate Plan. An Estate Plan is a collection of legal documents that outline how a person's assets and financial affairs are to be handled upon their death or incapacitation. An Estate Plan typically includes the following:
- Last Will and Testament: A legal document that outlines how a person's assets will be distributed after death. It also appoints an executor to administer the estate, and can name guardians for minor children.
- Trusts: A trust is a legal document that allows a person to transfer their assets into a trust, which is managed by a trustee. This can including living trusts, which are created and managed during a person's lifetime, and testamentary trusts which are established in a will and come into effect after death.
- Power of Attorney: A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows a person to appoint someone to handle their financial affairs if they become incapacitated.
- Advance Health Care Directive: An Advance Health Care Directive is a legal document that outlines a person's healthcare wishes if they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
- Beneficiary Designations: Certain assets, such as retirement accounts and life insurance policies, can have beneficiary designations that override the distribution outlined in a will. It is important to review and update beneficiary designations regularly.
It is important to note that these documents can vary based on individual circumstances and the laws of the relevant jurisdiction. It may be advisable to consult with an attorney to ensure that all necessary documents are included in the Estate Plan and are executed properly.