Most folks hear the words estate planning and think it means simply having a Will or a Trust, but that’s really just a starting point. Just as important as having one or both of those documents in place is to also make sure that your estate plan has provisions in place that will give your loved ones the ability to manage and control your assets and day-to-day affairs in the event that you should become unable to do so yourself.
Here’s a simple list of what a well drafted estate plan should include:
- A Will and/or a Trust
- A Durable Power of Attorney
- Appropriate and Intended Beneficiary Designations
- A Letter of Intent to your Heirs
- A Healthcare Power of Attorney/Advanced Directive
- Appropriate Trustee and Guardianship Designations
So how does your estate plan stack up? Do you already have any or all of these documents in place? If not, it’s probably a real good time to take the necessary steps to protect your family’s future and provide yourself and your loved ones with the peace of mind that a well drafted estate plan can provide.
American Wills and Estates is a locally founded, owned and operated law firm that has been providing estate planning advice to families in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania with competency, compassion and care for over 26 years. Our attorneys have over a 150 years of combined legal experience and we provide most of our legal services on an extremely affordable flat fee basis.
So stop procrastinating and find out just how easy and affordable it can be to protect your hard earned assets and your loved ones with a well drafted, attorney prepared estate plan. Give us a call today at (412) 381-7370 to schedule your free legal consultation or visit our law firm on line. You’ll be glad you did.