Why Make an Estate Plan?

Estate planning is not just for those with significant assets. The purpose of Estate planning is to protect your wishes when you are no longer the active decision maker, and/or have passed on. A helpful Estate plan outlines both what you want to occur and the most trustworthy person to be in control to make it happen and ensure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your requests and desires.

Without having an Estate Plan, your family and loved ones will have to speculate about what you wanted, and eventually, the State will be the decision maker affecting you and/or your assets in a way you may not prefer.

In order to avoid this kind of uncertainty, these are three (3) primary documents that everyone should have in their possession as follows:

• Last Will and Testament (Determines the distribution of assets after death)
• Durable Power of Attorney (Authority delegated to another person to assist and/or handle your personal and/or financial affairs if mental or other illness limits your physical and/or cognitive abilities)
• Advanced Medical Directive (Power of attorney for the assistance or handling of your medical decisions: Also called a Living Will)

Although a Durable Power of Attorney and Advanced Medical Directive will expire upon death, you can appoint a Personal Representative for your Estate can take over these kinds of responsibilities through the Probate Process.

Additional Estate Planning Documents include but are not limited to Trusts that are created to protect minor or special needs heirs, preservation of property, tax saving purposes, etc.

Advanced Estate Planning for you and your loved ones is usually recommended. The time of death is the worst time to have to worry about such details. Having an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in the world.

Avoid the mystery, confusion, and avoid possible family conflict by preparing your Estate in the event of death, mental/physical impairment and/or medical emergencies. The Law Offices of Stephen F. Allen P.C., can provide that peace of mind to you and your family. Contact us at (301) 987-2002 or by Email: allenlawfirm@aol.com to review your situation to help guide you through the Estate Planning process.