Aaron Larson

Cheat Sheet / Updated 09-24-2021

Taking the time and attention to write a will and set up a trust — or a couple of trusts — are acts of generosity that your heirs and loved ones will appreciate in their time of grief. To do it right, you need to keep track of the people and papers involved, plan for incapacity, and know what you need from an estate plan, then review your plan regularly and especially after significant life changes.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

You want your will and trust to be legal, so it makes sense to meet with a lawyer to form your estate plan. Lawyers who specialize in estate planning can help you cover all contingencies and help make sure that your plan is complete. Use the tips in the following list to prepare for your meeting: Ask about your lawyer’s experience. You’ll benefit if your lawyer has worked with estates similar to yours. Before you meet an estate planning lawyer, most law offices will provide you with a questionnaire to complete and a list of documents to take with you to your meeting. You will save time and possibly money by completing the questionnaire and compiling the documents before your consultation. Be clear on what estate planning documents are included in your estate plan and what your lawyer will charge to complete those documents. Get an estimate of how much your complete estate plan will cost. Discuss estate taxes with your lawyer. Estate tax law is in a state of flux. Your lawyer can help you figure out whether your estate is likely to have to pay estate taxes and, if so, how to minimize or avoid them. Discuss any special circumstances with your lawyer. Do you have a family business? An heir with a disability? Children from a prior marriage or relationship? Your lawyer needs to know your needs in order to plan your estate.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

The professionals who help you set up your will and trusts can be useful not only during the creation of these documents, but also later on if you want to make changes. They can be invaluable resources for your executor and loved ones when the time comes. Keep a list of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the following professionals: Your personal representative Your trustee The guardian for your children Your attorney-in-fact Your healthcare advocate Your estate planning lawyer

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

You should review your estate plan, including your will and any trusts, on a periodic basis to be sure that your inheritance planning is consistent with your needs and goals. In addition, review your estate plan upon Marriage, separation or divorce Birth or adoption of a child Death of an heir Move to another state Significant changes in your health Significant changes in your financial condition

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

It’s not easy to think about, but your will and trust(s) need to include provisions that go into effect if you become incapacitated for any reason. Your executor and your heirs will be grateful for your forethought. Keep in mind the following points about planning for incapacity: If you don’t create a plan for your incapacity, a court may appoint somebody to oversee your personal and financial needs. By planning for incapacity, you can choose the people who will help you, provide them with guidance as to your wishes, impose limits on their powers, or grant them powers beyond what a court may allow. Your durable power of attorney designates the person who can assist you with your financial affairs or manage them on your behalf. Your healthcare proxy appoints the person who will assist you with decisions concerning your medical care or make those decisions for you consistent with your instructions. You can provide within your living trust for your trustee to gain immediately authority over your trust assets if you become incapacitated. Your living will provides guidance to your family and doctors as to the type of treatment you want during the final days of your life.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

You’ve gone to the necessary trouble of drawing up your will and perhaps creating a trust. Now you need to make a list of the locations of important papers and make sure that you and at least one other trusted person know where the list is and where the locations are. Include the locations of the following items: Your will Your trust(s) Your healthcare proxy Your living will Your durable power of attorney Your tax records Your safe deposit box