Our team of qualified lawyers have a wealth of experience in writing the estate planning components including trusts, lasting power of attorneys and wills. Taking Inventory of Your Assets is a Good Place to Start. Your assets include investments, retirement savings, insurance policies, and real estate or business interests. Ask yourself three questions: Whom do you want to inherit your assets? Whom do you want handling your financial affairs if you’re ever incapacitated? and Whom do you want making medical decisions for you if you become unable to make them for yourself? Often we don’t consider a will until it’s too late even though everybody (18+ years) needs a Will, that tells the world exactly where they wish their assets to be distributed if they die. It’s also the best place to name guardians for your children. Dying without a will, known as dying “intestate”, can be costly to your heirs – you have no say over who gets what. Even if you have a trust, you still need a will to take care of anything outside that trust if you die. It is paramount you present all relevant information to the person who will prepare the estate plan documents. Trusts aren’t just for the Wealthy. Trusts are legal mechanisms that let you put conditions on how and when your assets will be distributed upon your death. They also allow you to reduce your estate and gift taxes and to distribute assets to your heirs without the cost, delay and publicity of probate court. Discussing your estate plan with your heirs may prevent disagreements, so it makes sense to ensure that the person who will prepare the estate plan documents knows all your wishes and hopes for the beneficiaries of your legacy. Remember their inheritance could be challenged if you are not clear about your intentions, which could create a potential for conflict after you are gone.