Individual Estate Plans

• A Will declares exactly who inherits your assets, like property, home, financial accounts, and personal belongings. Importantly, a will also declares whether you are to be buried, cremated, or something else of your choosing, and who should receive physical and legal guardianship of any minor children you may leave behind.

  • Surviving family members must file a copy of your will in Court and navigate the probate process--either on their own or with the help of a probate attorney.​​​​

• A Trust holds your assets on behalf of your beneficiaries (can be you, first) and is managed by a trustee you choose (can also be you, first). It allows you to specify exactly how and when your assets are distributed when you pass.

  • A trust can be administered without any court involvement--a major benefit.

• Why These Matter: Without a will or trust, state law decides who gets your assets when you die. My honest recommendation is that everyone should have a will whether they have a trust or not.​​​

• A Power of Attorney designates a trusted person to manage finances, pay your bills, and handle legal matters if you become temporarily or permanently unable to do so due to illness, injury, or simply old age.

• Why it Matters: If you are incapacitated without a Power of Attorney, your family may have to go through an expensive, public, and stressful court process just to access your bank accounts to pay your mortgage or bills.

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• An Advance Healthcare Directive outlines your specific preferences for medical treatment and appoints a healthcare proxy to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot speak for yourself.

• Why It Matters: It removes the agonizing guesswork for your family during a medical crisis, ensuring your doctors honor your personal wishes regarding end-of-life care, pain management, and medical interventions.