Estate planning
Protect your family — not just your assets
Estate planning is not about death. It is about making sure your wishes are honored, your family is protected, and your legacy is preserved.
Estate planning is for everyone — not just the wealthy
Many people delay estate planning because they think it is only for the wealthy. But estate planning is about protecting your family at every asset level. Without the right documents in place, state law decides what happens to your assets, who raises your children, and who makes medical decisions for you. A basic plan is not expensive — and the cost of not having one can be enormous.
The essential estate planning documents
Documents marked as critical are the minimum every adult should have in place.
Last Will and Testament
CriticalDirects how your assets are distributed after death, names a guardian for minor children, and designates an executor. Without a will, state intestacy laws determine distribution — which may not match your wishes.
Revocable Living Trust
Holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them to beneficiaries at death — without probate. Keeps your affairs private (wills become public record) and allows seamless management if you become incapacitated.
Durable Power of Attorney
CriticalDesignates someone to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need a costly court process to act on your behalf.
Healthcare Directive / Living Will
CriticalDocuments your wishes for medical treatment and designates a healthcare proxy. Reduces family conflict during medical crises and ensures your wishes are followed.
Beneficiary Designations
CriticalRetirement accounts, life insurance, and annuities pass by beneficiary designation — not by your will. Outdated designations (an ex-spouse, a deceased parent) are one of the most common and costly estate planning mistakes.
The most common estate planning mistakes
Outdated beneficiary designations
Assets pass to the wrong person — including ex-spouses or deceased relatives — regardless of what your will says.
No power of attorney
Family members cannot manage your finances without a court-appointed conservatorship — a costly, time-consuming process.
Assets not titled in the trust
A trust only controls assets that are properly titled in its name. Unfunded trusts do not avoid probate.
No healthcare directive
Medical providers default to aggressive treatment. Family members may disagree about your wishes, causing conflict at the worst possible time.
Leaving assets directly to minor children
Minors cannot legally own significant assets. A court will appoint a guardian to manage the funds — which may not be who you would choose.
Common questions
Make sure your estate plan is complete and current
We work alongside estate planning attorneys to make sure your financial plan and your legal documents are aligned. Let us review your situation together.
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