What is an estate plan?

An estate plan is a comprehensive plan that includes the following legal documents:

• Durable Power of Attorney

• Advance Healthcare Directive or Living Will

• Last Will and Testament

• Trusts

What happens if you don’t have an estate plan?

A common misconception is that if you have no estate plan your “stuff and things” go to the State when you die. That’s can happen but it is unlikely. State law called intestacy is a “default” set of laws that will choreograph who will get your property when you die. State courts will make their best-educated guess and appoint the person they think would be in the best position to make financial and medical decisions if you cannot, and also who should care for your minor children. The State’s default law is a plan, but it’s not your plan.

Is dying intestate ideal? Definitely not! But there is a plan if you stop reading here and decide not to take any further action or to customize your plan.

If you want to “opt-out” of the State imposed plan, my firm helps you customize your estate plan thoroughly with good counsel guiding you along the way.