Small Estate Planning

Columbia Estate Planning Attorney

Coping with the untimely loss of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. When that loved one dies without an estate plan in place, the grieving family is left to sort out their final affairs.  Even if you have a relatively small estate, and even if you believe your family will honor your wishes without dispute or conflict, one of the greatest gifts you can give to your family is a well-drafted estate plan.  Are your affairs in

order?  ​

 

Having an effective estate plan in place saves your family from the pain of making difficult decisions about your end-of-life care, your final services, and how your estate should be distributed.

 

The pain and emotion involved in the death of a loved one can be challenging for the remaining family members. We will seek to avoid inter-family disputes following the death of a loved one that many times can result in irreparable damage to family relationships.   

Ask yourself:

• What if I become incapacitated, who will make medical decisions for me?  Who will manage my financial affairs?

• Does my family know if I would want to be placed on life support?

• Will my family know what expenses I have and will they have access to my sources of money to properly manage my finances during my incapacitation?

• How will my assets be distributed when I die?

• Can my family amicably sort it all out?

• Will my final expenses be taken care of?

• Have I updated the beneficiaries for my life insurance, bank accounts, and investments?

• Will my family have to suffer through the expensive probate process?

• How will my online accounts be handled?

• Does my family know if I prefer a traditional burial or cremation?

• Do I currently have a will or trust?  Has it been updated?  And does my family know where to find the documents upon my death?

• If I die today, will my heirs inherit more money than they are currently equipped to handle responsibly?

 

Gilmore Law Group Can Help 

Contact our offices today to discuss:

 

• Wills

• Trusts

• Durable Power of Attorney

• Healthcare Directives

• Digital Estate Plan

• Beneficiary Deeds