What is an Estate Plan?
An Estate Plan is an essential collection of documents that detail your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets, care for your children and pets, and your final arrangements after passing. It's designed to ensure your desires are honored, providing clear instructions to ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.
At Trust & Will, we offer either a Will-Based or Trust-Based Estate Plan.
Why do I need a Trust or Will?
We believe estate planning is crucial for everyone, not based on wealth or assets, because it:
- Directs Asset Distribution: Specifies how your assets are to be distributed, including gifts to individuals and charities.
- Nominates Guardians: Ensures care for your children and pets.
- Facilitates Representation: Appoints individuals to represent you if you're incapacitated.
- Avoids Probate: If needed, can create a Trust to bypass the probate process and ease asset transfer.
Who Should Have an Estate Plan
We advocate that everyone should have an Estate Plan, as life's unpredictability makes it a prudent choice for all. Our services are designed to be accessible and affordable, allowing you to select the plan that best suits your needs.
The Consequences of Not Having an Estate Plan
State Default Laws: Without a Will, state laws dictate the distribution of your assets, often in ways that might not align with your wishes.
Family Conflicts: The absence of a Will can lead to disputes, disagreements, and court hearings, compounding the difficulties faced by your family after your death.
It's our mission to help families and individuals protect their legacy by avoiding the common pitfalls of not having a Will. Starting your Estate Plan with us today ensures your wishes are respected, and your loved ones are cared for according to your desires. Don't let default laws determine the future of your assets and family—take control by planning your estate today.
Estate Plan Types Offered by Trust & Will
We offer two principal Estate Plan types, catering to different needs:
- Will-Based Estate Plan: Designates guardians for children and pets, determines asset distribution, and specifies final arrangements. Learn more here: Understanding and Creating a Will with a Will-Based Estate Plan
- Trust-Based Estate Plan: Aims to avoid probate through comprehensive planning for asset protection and transfer, including guardian designations and more. Learn more here: Understanding and Setting Up a Trust with a Trust-Based Estate Plan
Compare our offerings or take our quiz to decide which is best for your situation. Learn more about pricing here: Estate Plan Pricing.
Key Documents in an Estate Plan
A robust Estate Plan centers around a primary document, supported by various important documents, including:
- Primary Document: Typically a Last Will and Testament, or Trust, each serving specific estate planning objectives.
- Supporting Documents: Commonly include an Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will), Power of Attorney, and HIPAA Authorization. These documents complement the primary one.
Learn More About Trusts and Wills
Understanding and Setting Up a Will with a Will-Based Estate Plan
Understanding and Creating a Trust with a Trust-Based Estate Plan