Comprehensive Estate Planning Services to Suit Your Needs

No matter your age, the size of your estate or where you are in life, you need an estate plan. An estate plan is a blueprint for managing your personal affairs if you become incapacitated and addressing the needs of others after your death. From providing financial security for a special needs child to setting aside money for long-term care, crafting a sound estate plan can save you and your family stress and heartache in the future.

However, a one-size-fits-all estate plan will not provide you with the security you need, or the peace of mind you deserve. A good estate plan should specifically address your needs, goals and family. At Marshall Law, I assist clients with every step of the estate planning process, from discussing their goals all the way through administering their estates after death. I believe in approaching estate planning from a client-centered perspective, taking into consideration each client’s unique needs and goals.

Estate Planning to Address Your Lifetime Concerns

When people think about estate planning, they often assume it only addresses what happens to their assets after death. However, estate planning is also a way for addressing a client’s needs should they become incapacitated and unable to manage their own affairs.

To avoid the court deciding who will manage your finances and make your health care decisions, you should have the following:

• (1) a durable power of attorney and possibly (each client is unique) a Revocable Living Trust identifying who will manage your assets; and (2) advanced health care directives (HIPAA Waiver, designation of health care surrogate, and living will) addressing who can make your health care decisions if you are unable to make such on your own.

Using Estate Planning to Take Care of Your Family After You Pass

After you pass away, you leave your assets, property and debts behind. Estate planning is a way to determine the distribution of your assets to particular beneficiaries. While it may seem like an easy decision, you need to consider numerous factors before making an informed decision.

For example, you should consider the potential beneficiaries’ financial stability, whether they have children with special needs or they themselves are receiving government benefits or have disabilities. After having a conversation about each beneficiary, I can help you set up a sound Will or Trust to ensure the proper distribution of your assets.

Estate Planning Is a Process. I Can Help You Through It.

Estate planning is not a one-and-done process. As you move through life, events such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child, etc. – may require you to update your estate plan. By staying on top of your plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your family are taken care of.

Estate planning goes far beyond a collection of legal documents. It is a process that requires clearly defined objectives coupled with a custom-tailored plan that utilizes different strategies and documents to ensure your medical and financial needs are met. To learn more about how an estate plan can benefit you, contact me at Marshall Law to schedule a consultation. Call 352-619-0744 or reach out to me online to get in touch.