Additional Estate Planning Document Considerations
What other documents should I be thinking about?
In addition to Wills & Trusts, Directives to Physicians/Living Wills, and Powers of Attorney, there are other legal documents you should consider adding to your estate planning portfolio.
Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains
This document allows you to specify one or more individuals to be in control of your funeral and burial arrangements. This document also allows you to specify your wishes regarding such arrangements.
Gift By A Living Donor
This document allows you to make organ, tissue or body part donations and to specify whether such donations can be used for medical, scientific or education purposes.
Declaration of Guardian in Event of Later Incapacity or Need of Guardian
This document allows adults to designate one or more individuals to be his or her guardian if s/he is declared incapacitated or incompetent.
Designation of Agent to Make Health Care Decisions for Children
This document allows you to appoint one or more individuals to make health care decisions for your child or children. Consent may be given for medical, dental, psychological, and surgical treatment. This document also gives the appointed individuals the right to travel with the child or children if needed.
Beneficiary Designations
Overview of Beneficiary Designations
Beneficiary designations are crucial as they directly name who will inherit your assets in specific accounts upon your death. This setup helps bypass the lengthy and often complicated probate process, ensuring that your beneficiaries have quicker access to the assets.
Types of Accounts and Benefits
- Retirement Accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs
- Life Insurance Policies
- Annuities and Pension Plans
These designations not only expedite the transfer of assets but also are optimized for tax benefits, which can significantly impact the net amounts your beneficiaries receive.
Integrating with Your Estate Plan
It's important that the beneficiaries named on these accounts align with your overall estate plan to avoid any discrepancies or legal challenges. Consulting with our attorneys can ensure that all beneficiary designations are properly audited and aligned with your comprehensive estate strategy.
Payable On Death Accounts
Understanding POD Designations
Payable on death (POD) designations provide a straightforward mechanism to name beneficiaries for your bank and investment accounts. Upon your demise, the designated accounts transfer immediately to the POD beneficiaries without undergoing probate.
Accounts Suitable for POD
- Bank Accounts: Checking, Savings
- Investment Accounts: Money Market, Brokerage Accounts
This designation not only simplifies the distribution process but also ensures that you have the ultimate control over who inherits these accounts, overriding any conflicting instructions in your Will or trust.
Transfer On Death Deeds
Benefits of TOD Deeds
Transfer on death (TOD) deeds allow for the seamless transfer of real estate to beneficiaries upon your death, bypassing the probate process entirely.
- Control: Maintain full ownership and control over your property during your lifetime.
- Ease of Transfer: Direct transfer of property to the beneficiary after your death.
Personal Property Memorandum
Purpose and Importance
While your Will generally covers major assets, a personal property memorandum is essential for specifying inheritors of personal items such as jewelry, artwork, and family heirlooms.
- Function: Acts as an addendum to your Will but facilitates distribution outside of probate.
- Content: Lists specific personal possessions and their intended recipients.
Letter of Instruction
Guidance for Executors and Loved Ones
A letter of instruction, while not legally binding, is invaluable in helping your family and executor navigate your estate posthumously.
Key Information to Include
- Estate Details: Financial accounts, location of important documents
- Professional Contacts: Legal, tax, and financial advisors
- Personal Wishes: Funeral arrangements, distribution of sentimental items
- Digital Legacy: Instructions for online accounts and digital assets
By keeping this information consolidated and accessible, you significantly ease the administrative burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. This thoughtful preparation ensures that your wishes are understood and followed as intended.
What do I do now that I have gone to a lawyer and have all my documents finalized?
Here is a link to the closing letter I give to all of my clients once they’ve completed their documents.