All of us must at some time face the inevitable certainties of death and taxes.  We work hard to succeed and acquire assets.  We want to enjoy the fruits of our labor while we can, and we want to make life easier for our next generation. We need to plan for security, survivorship and contingencies in life and death.  That means that we must work with specialists to obtain the best advice possible so that we may organize our affairs to minimize tax within the law and enjoy the benefits of good health and financial security.  An estate plan is a step on the road to success.  It is not only a plan for death, but a plan for life: our life; and the lives of our loved ones.

Who should we have in mind?  Obviously our plan should provide for our health and wellbeing and that of our spouse, children, and other dependents; what about our parents or our siblings?  There are many factors to consider; for example, the security of our income, our spouses income, the children's income, our liquid assets, our real property, our business interests. Many people own significant personal assets which hold meaning that goes far beyond monetary value.  These deserve special consideration.  What about those usual irritants such as ongoing expenses, long term debt, and prospects of disability?

An estate plan empowers people to take care of their own affairs.  There is legislation in place for those who fail to plan; however the effect of the legislation is often less than satisfactory, and often leads to disaster.  A properly drafted Enduring Power of Attorney, a Personal Directive, a Tax Planned Will, a Family Trust, an Educational Trust; all of these are tools which in proper hands can make a world of difference. We all want to leave our mark in life; failing to plan leaves a stain.

Please contact one of our wills and estates lawyers for more information.