The estate plan

Having a well-drafted estate plan is vital. With the proper legal expertise, you can plan for the final years of your life and make your estate easier to settle for your heirs.

A living trust transfers legal ownership of your property to another party. While this does not shield from potential taxation, a living trust can help your heirs avoid the lengthy and costly probate process.

Wills are legally binding instruments that detail who will receive which of your belongings. Your beneficiaries can range from family members to friends to charitable institutions.

At some point, you may be unable to make financial decisions for yourself. The durable financial power of attorney allows you to name trusted friends or family members to make these decisions on your behalf. 

Similar to the durable financial power of attorney, the healthcare power of attorney allows you to name trusted friends or family members to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. 

It may be unpleasant to think about the possibility of being on life-support or in a similar situation, but a living will allows you to decide how you wish to be taken care of in your final days.