Estate Planning
Everyone age 18+ needs an estate plan.
The thought of discussing incapacity, death and money, are not at the top of anyone's list, but everyone needs an estate plan. Estate planning really is about four things:
You
Your family
Your assets
Having control over what happens.
One reason to have an estate plan in place is so you can choose who you want to make medical and financial decisions for you in the event of incapacity. Without this, someone would need to file a petition with Probate Court seeking control of your medical care and assets. Not only is this a lengthy and expensive process but the court could end up appointing someone you might not want to make these decisions on your behalf.
If you pass away without the proper documents in place, your loved ones will have to go through the Probate Court which is timely, expensive and then the Commonwealth of Massachusetts controls how your assets are distributed. If you have a Will, you control how your assets are disbursed, you appoint the personal representative to settle your estate and you appoint the guardian of any minor children. Those are just a few things estate planning can help you accomplish.
Common estate planning documents include:
Will
Durable Power of Attorney
Health Care Proxy
HIPPA Authorization
Living Will
Trust
Trusts provide that extra peace of mind, knowing that your assets pass seamlessly to loved ones, avoiding court and saving time and money. Trusts come in many shapes and sizes, and we can find the right one for you.
Whether you are a young adult just heading to college, an individual or married couple with or without minor children, or someone looking towards the future and retirement, The Law Office of Katie M. Benison-Camell, Esq., PLCC can help guide you and tailor an estate plan to fit your needs. Contact us today.
The Law Office of Katie M. Benison-Camell, Esq., PLLC, P.O. Box 104, Holden, MA 01520, Phone: (774)-275-0240, Email: katieb@kbenlaw.com