subject: Getting The Best Legal Aid And Settling Estate Problems Before They Arise [print this page] Estate problems are one of the common problems which arise from wills. Settling such disputes may take a long time and may consume much of your resources, therefore, it is advisable to have estate planning to avoid such issues --- legally aided in this matter. Estate planning is the collection of preparation tasks for managing an individual's assets in case unexpected events, such as incapacitation or death, occur. This includes settlement of their assets and estate taxes. Beaudry, Semexant, Notaire Inc. can help you in your estate planning. Legal advisors are experienced and competent enough to guide you along the preparation process.
Create a will --- It should be valid. Observe the do's and don'ts in creating such document and indicate who you want to leave your properties to. Then set up a trust account. Trust accounts named under your beneficiaries could avoid the trips to probate courts, costly procedures and time-wasting measures. Having this also imposes limits on estate taxes. Part of the preparations as well is ensuring a durable POA --- A financial power of attorney ensures you of having your finances and properties in good hands. The coverage of such may be further explained by your legal advisor. Also consider setting in advance your health care directives. This includes a power of attorney for health care and a health care declaration or a "living will". Such enables you to write down all your wishes in terms of handling issues on health care at times when you are no longer to make decisions for yourself.
Be sure that you have somebody to look over your children and manage your property for them. It could be very frustrating to have your properties wasted with your children not having even a bit of it. Therefore point out a trusted person whom you can leave your minors to. This can be the same person indicated in your will. For your bank accounts and retirement plans, file beneficiary forms beforehand. This action automatically sets your account into "payable on death" and funds no longer undergo probate courts. Create life insurance plans for the welfare of your beneficiaries --- this may be a good idea to keep your properties safe and your loved ones secured. It is also advised that you get familiar with estate taxes. Get advice from your legal counsel if such matters bring confusion to you. Most estates -- more than 99% -- won't owe federal estate taxes. Therefore, establishing annual gifting can be done to reduce the taxable estate.
Cover funeral expenses in advance via a payable-on-death account with funds allocated to pay for your funeral and other related expenses, and make final arrangements along with covering funeral expenses. Express how you want your funeral would be and how you want your body to be disposed.
Lastly, store your documents safely. Inform your executor or attorney-in-fact where you have placed such documents so as processes may be assisted. These documents may be a will, trusts, insurance policies, real estate deeds, bank account information, mutual fund information, safe deposit box information, certificates for stocks bonds and annuities, information on retirement plans, debt information (mortgages, credit cards, loans, utilities and unpaid taxes), and any other documents and final arrangements you have made.
If you want to be at ease with your assets, then consider estate planning. Be ensured that your properties and loved are in good hands. Get a good legal counsel and start it now!
