Wills
A will is the central instrument not just to ensure that your assets are appropriately distributed, but also to prevent your loved ones from being burdened with sorting out your assets without clear guidance as to your wishes.
Revocable Living Trusts
A living trust allows you to transfer your assets to a flexible legal entity to better control your property and assets, while still providing for your family after your death. The benefits of a living trust include the ability to avoid the probate process for all or a portion of your estate in certain situations, and the ability to have a portion of your assets managed by a trustee held to the highest fiduciary responsibilities.
Advance Directives
Also known as a “living will,” an advance healthcare directive provides instructions as to what actions should or should not be taken related to your health if you are no longer able to make decisions due to illness or incapacity. It can also include key decisions as to who you would want to make medical decisions for you, what comfort measures should be taken, and what personal medical information can be shared with others.
Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney allows a person of your choosing to legally act for you. Powers of attorney can be used in many situations and tailored to certain parameters. For example, a durable power of attorney can remain valid for your financial matters even if you become incapacitated, while a general power of attorney may become void upon your incapacitation. A medical power of attorney may permit the person of your choice to make all or just specified health care decisions for you. A limited power of attorney can be provided for a specific legal act, and becomes void once that act is complete.