Sometimes the term “estate plan” can be overwhelming. Or people think, “I don’t have very much, I don’t need an estate plan” Estate planning is just the concept planning for the care of our children, our families, and our assets in the event of our incapacity or death. You don’t need to have a million dollar estate to need an estate plan. My most common estate plan is my Basic Estate Plan. This includes:
- Will – the document that allows you to appoint a Personal Representative (Executor) of your estate and to distribute your assets according to your wishes. You may also nominate a guardian for your minor children and establish trusts for their benefit.
- Power of Attorney – a document that allows you to give a person of your choosing the power to handle your banking, business, property, or other transactions if you are incapacitated or physically unable to do so yourself.
- Health Care Directive – the document that allows you to state preferences or provide instructions for your health care if you are unable to do so and/or appoint an individual, or individuals, to make decisions concerning your health care. Also known as a Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney.
- A personalized copy of my very own Putting Your Estate Plan Into Action: An Estate Organizer. This book will help you organize your records to assist your family in handling your estate during an emotional and stressful time.
For couples, the plan includes a set of documents for each individual.
Prices as of January 1, 2008 are:
Basic Estate Plan – no Trust for Children Single $ 325.00 Couple $ 525.00
Basic Estate Plan – with Trust for Children Single $ 375.00 Couple $ 575.00
