Estate Planning Is A Responsible New Year’s Resolution
The New Year is a time for reflection, and such introspection usually leads to making decisions to live life better, to pursue new goals, and to renew commitment to old goals. This year, consider adding estate planning to your list of resolutions. Why estate planning? It’s about responsibility. Estate planning is the process by which you strategize about your future, and there are somethings we can statistically plan on in everyone’s future. Estate planning documents your intentions and decisions concerning life, death, your wealth, your medical care, guardians, etc.
You don’t need all the answers to get started
The two main questions we need answered in order to do your estate plan are:
- Who do you trust with: your life, your things, your minor children?
- Where do you want your things to go?
Many other questions can be answered throughout the estate planning process, and even these two questions can be explored during a consultation with an attorney. If you do not have someone to manage your trust, you can inquire about having an attorney or professional fiduciary do it for you. If you do not know where you would like your things to go when you pass away, we can provide you with a list of charities in the area making the biggest impact in your community.
Other questions optionally can be addressed
In addition to the two major questions above, there is also an opportunity to address other concerns:
- What happens to your body after you die?
- Do you want a memorial service?
- Would it be okay to authorize an autopsy if one was needed?
- If you’re terminally ill, do you want to be kept alive artificially?
- Do you want to be an organ donor?
- And more…
If you do not know the answers to some of these questions, you can leave it open ended for now and let your agent, trustees, or executors make decisions in your best interest at the time. The more clues you leave, however, the easier of a job you will leave for your loved ones.
Law Office of Merrill A. Hanson does customized estate planning. We are a real law firm with real attorneys, who listen to real people, and craft really good estate plans for every individual’s unique needs. Whether it is a brand new estate plan, or you just need to understand what you already have, we would love to serve you.
Merrill A. Hanson
Law Office of Merrill A. Hanson
180 N. Glendora Ave., Ste. 201
Glendora, CA 91741
Tel./Txt: 626-905-4682
Originally Published December 5, 2016
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This page is not intended to convey legal advice. You should contact an attorney for your specific situation.
