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Home >> Estate Planning Articles >> This New Year, Resolve to Plan Your Estate

This New Year, Resolve to Plan Your Estate

January 6, 2016 by Robert Kulas.

Compliments of Our Law Firm,
Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

The New Year brings with it a renewed outlook and fresh resolutions. We vow to get organized, eat healthier, and lose those last stubborn 10 pounds. But many of us overlook one simple and practical resolution that could have a profound effect on our lives, not to mention the lives of those we love. What’s that resolution? Create a basic estate plan.

It’s not hard to get started. First, find an experienced estate planning attorney. You can start by checking with the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys or avvo.com. Call to make an appointment, and then relax. The attorney’s office will let you know what to expect, and what you need to bring with you to your consultation. The meeting is essentially a conversation about you, your family, and your goals. The attorney will ask many questions, listen carefully to your answers, and give you time to ask questions of your own. After your concerns are addressed, the attorney will suggest a plan to meet your needs.

The plan will be tailored to your specific situation, but it will likely include these basic documents:

  • Living Trust – This is the cornerstone of your estate plan. You transfer most of your assets into the Trust and retain control of the Trust during your lifetime. The provisions of the Trust allow for the assets to be managed by a Trustee selected by you in the event of your death or disability. The Trust provisions also dictate how the Trust assets will be distributed after your death. One of the advantages of a Living Trust is that Trust assets are not subject to probate.
  • Pour-Over Will – “Catches” any assets omitted from your Trust and “pours” them into your Trust after your death, allowing the terms of your trust to determine how these assets are distributed. You will also name guardians for your minor children.
  • Financial Power of Attorney – Allows you to appoint an agent to manage your financial accounts and any property not included in your trust in the event of your disability.
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care – Allows you to appoint an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.
  • HIPAA Power – Permits your agent and the loved ones you list to access your healthcare information. Without this, confidentiality rules could prohibit the release of any Medicaid information.

Planning your estate is an easy and important resolution to check off your list. With the peace of mind and confidence you’ll gain from putting your estate plan in order, who knows what you’ll be able to accomplish next year? Maybe you’ll even banish those last 10 pounds for good!

 

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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.

~L.G.K
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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.

~Joan C
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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.

~Mildred W
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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.

~Leo C
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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.

~Krissy L
Client Review
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.

~Janice M
Client Review
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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

L.G.K.
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