What does a Last Will and Testament do?
A will distributes your assets upon death. The primary purpose of a will is to ensure that your assets are distributed to whomever you choose in the amount and manner that you choose.
It also names an executor. The will allows you to appoint an "executor" or personal representative to be in charge of distributing your assets upon death.
Your will can name guardians for minor children.
You can use your will to state memorial instructions; specify your wishes regarding burial, cremation and/or memorial service.
A will can create trusts to hold or protect your property after your death. A will can create a legal entity called a "trust" which can hold property for a minor, a special needs beneficiary or in any other instance in which you might not want a beneficiary to receive an inheritance outright.
A will can ease the burden on your loved ones. Your death will be a painful time for them. Leaving a will for them to follow eases their stress and worry.
Many people find the process of making a will to be a positive experience, because it gives them peace of mind and also enables them to start thinking about issues important to their loved ones. If you are interested in creating a will, please contact us for a consultation.
A will distributes your assets upon death. The primary purpose of a will is to ensure that your assets are distributed to whomever you choose in the amount and manner that you choose.
It also names an executor. The will allows you to appoint an "executor" or personal representative to be in charge of distributing your assets upon death.
Your will can name guardians for minor children.
You can use your will to state memorial instructions; specify your wishes regarding burial, cremation and/or memorial service.
A will can create trusts to hold or protect your property after your death. A will can create a legal entity called a "trust" which can hold property for a minor, a special needs beneficiary or in any other instance in which you might not want a beneficiary to receive an inheritance outright.
A will can ease the burden on your loved ones. Your death will be a painful time for them. Leaving a will for them to follow eases their stress and worry.
Many people find the process of making a will to be a positive experience, because it gives them peace of mind and also enables them to start thinking about issues important to their loved ones. If you are interested in creating a will, please contact us for a consultation.
What does a Power of Attorney do?
Granting someone you trust a power of attorney allows that person to manage your financial and personal affairs if you are unable to do so. This person is empowered to sign your name and is obligated to act in your best financial interest at all times and in accordance to your wishes. A power of attorney can be made "springing," which means that it only goes into effect under circumstances that you specify, the most typical being when you become incapacitated.
A medical power of attorney is another kind of power of attorney that grants someone you trust the ability to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Why do I need a Power of Attorney?
No one is immune from aging or the loss of mental clarity that may come with it. And you're never immune to health crises that may leave you unable to handle the business of your life: paying bills, managing investments or making key financial decisions.
If you do become incapacitated without having a power of attorney, the court may appoint a "conservator" to manage your affairs and handle your assets. This process might cost your family well over $2,000 in attorney's fees and court costs, not including the cost of the lawyer (called the guardian ad litem) who will be appointed by the court to represent you during the court proceedings. The conservator chosen by the court to manage your affairs may not be someone you would have chosen yourself.
A power of attorney ensures that if you become incapacitated, a trustworthy person of your choice will be responsible for managing your financial and personal affairs, and if you choose, your medical decisions. If you are interested in creating a power of attorney, please contact us for a consultation.
Granting someone you trust a power of attorney allows that person to manage your financial and personal affairs if you are unable to do so. This person is empowered to sign your name and is obligated to act in your best financial interest at all times and in accordance to your wishes. A power of attorney can be made "springing," which means that it only goes into effect under circumstances that you specify, the most typical being when you become incapacitated.
A medical power of attorney is another kind of power of attorney that grants someone you trust the ability to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Why do I need a Power of Attorney?
No one is immune from aging or the loss of mental clarity that may come with it. And you're never immune to health crises that may leave you unable to handle the business of your life: paying bills, managing investments or making key financial decisions.
If you do become incapacitated without having a power of attorney, the court may appoint a "conservator" to manage your affairs and handle your assets. This process might cost your family well over $2,000 in attorney's fees and court costs, not including the cost of the lawyer (called the guardian ad litem) who will be appointed by the court to represent you during the court proceedings. The conservator chosen by the court to manage your affairs may not be someone you would have chosen yourself.
A power of attorney ensures that if you become incapacitated, a trustworthy person of your choice will be responsible for managing your financial and personal affairs, and if you choose, your medical decisions. If you are interested in creating a power of attorney, please contact us for a consultation.
