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Home >> 5 Essential Estate Planning Documents Everyone Needs

5 Essential Estate Planning Documents Everyone Needs

December 16, 2013 by Robert Kulas. Leave a Comment

Estate planning is a process, one that involves careful thought, preparation, and attention to detail. But despite the effort everyone has to put into estate planning, the documents you create are almost always the same type that everyone else makes. That’s not to say that these documents are easy to create, but rather that everyone will create an estate plan that relies on essential pieces. Though the details of these pieces will differ from person to person, you can count on creating a number of essential documents if you are beginning the estate planning process.

A Good Will

Even though it’s often very simple, a last will and testament is one of the most basic and important pieces of your estate plan. Through your will you can communicate your wishes to your family and loved ones after you are gone. The document only takes effect after you die, so as long as you remain capable you can update or change your will whenever you like.

Beneficiary Designations

While your will covers what you want to happen to your property after you die, not all of your property is subject to the choices you make in your will. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and many other types of property allow you to name a beneficiary. Those beneficiaries will receive this property upon your death regardless of whether you have a will or what your will states as your preferences.

Powers of Attorney in Estate Planning

Should something happen to you, you want powers of attorney in place that will allow other people to step in and handle your important affairs. Financial and healthcare powers of attorney give others the ability to make decisions for you when you are no longer capable of doing so on your own.

Asset Inventory

If you become incapacitated and someone has to manage your property, will that person know what to look for? Similarly, will your estate executor know what property he or she needs to manage while navigating the probate process? You can answer all these questions easily by creating a complete asset inventory. This inventory will state what property you own, where it is located, and also include other relevant details.

Digital Asset Instructions

While your representatives will likely be able to effectively manage your real estate and personal property, you also need to consider your digital assets. Depending on what you have, your digital asset list could be minimal or extensive.

Other Documents

Estate plans also typically include trusts, medical directives, and a handful of other documents. Your estate planning attorney will be able to review each type of document with you and tell you why you need them. Only once you have an idea of all the tools available to you can you begin creating a comprehensive estate plan. Further, gaining a better understanding of what these documents are and what purposes they serve will make you more comfortable with the estate planning process itself.

If you’d like to know more about the kinds of documents you’ll need to create, you can attend one of our upcoming free estate planning seminars. Visit our seminars page and then contact our office to reserve your spot.

Filed Under: Estate Planning Tagged With: estate planing

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I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

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I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

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Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

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Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

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August 25, 2020
    

"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

default image
Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

default image
Krissy L.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

default image
Leo C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

default image
Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

default image
Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

default image
L.G.K.
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