Reliable Services For Preparing And Updating Your Estate Planning Documents
A goal of the estate planning process is to develop a plan regarding distribution of your assets after your death. The process entails the preparation of written documents which outline how you want your estate to be distributed so your family has clear instructions to follow. Having those important documents in place will reduce stress for everyone involved.
At Poole Family Law, founding attorney Rebecca A. Poole understands the importance of estate planning. She can help you create an estate plan catered to your personal goals and wishes.
An estate plan typically consists of four (4) foundational documents:
- Last Will and Testament
- Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
- Health Care Power of Attorney (POA)
- Advance Directive Regarding a Natural Death
With more than a decade of legal experience, Rebecca can guide you through the estate planning process to ensure that you receive a personal estate plan that achieves your personal goals and executes your express wishes.
Last Will And Testament
A Last Will and Testament sets forth your written wishes about the distribution of your assets after your death. A Will covers many areas including:
- Selection of a Personal Representative/Executor: You name an Executor to implement the terms set forth in your Will to ensure that your wishes are followed.
- Asset distribution: You specify who you want to receive your assets and in what manner.
- Creation of Trust: You can establish the creation of a trust for a child or other person which will be managed by a trustee of your choosing.
- Establish Guardianship: You can establish your wishes on who will care for your children if you die while they are minors.
Rebecca can work with you to create a Will that meets your unique estate planning needs and goals so you have peace of mind that your wishes will be followed after your death.
Health Care Power Of Attorney And Advance Directives
A health care power of attorney appoints a specific person to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions on your own. Advance directives outline your wishes for end-of-life medical care, including life-sustaining treatment.
Having a designated health care agent offers benefits such as:
- Peace of mind: You have peace of mind knowing that decisions about your medical care are in the hands of someone you trust and have your best interests at heart.
- Fulfillment of your medical wishes: You can ensure that your medical wishes and preferences are followed even if your family members or medical providers disagree with you.
Expressing your medical preferences in advance is critical because it can ensure that your wishes are respected no matter what happens. Rebecca will work closely with you to craft a health care power of attorney and an advance directive that reflect your wishes and values.
Durable Power Of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney appoints a specific person to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make medical decisions on your own. These are some important areas to consider when preparing your Durable Power of Attorney:
- Agent selection: You must choose someone you trust to handle your financial affairs.
- Backup agent: You can consider appointing a backup agent if your primary agent is unable to serve.
- Power specification: You should specify the scope of powers you want to grant to your agent. Those powers can be as broad or narrow as you would like.
Rebecca can create a Durable Power of Attorney that is tailored to your needs so you have peace of mind that your financial affairs will be handled by someone you trust if you become unable to make those decisions on your own.
Make Informed Decisions To Protect Your Legacy With An Estate Plan
If you need assistance with estate planning documents, Rebecca can guide you through the process while prioritizing your wishes. Contact the firm at 919-794-3856 or via our online contact form to schedule a consultation with her to discuss your estate planning needs and goals.