Are you trying to begin your estate plan but you’re not sure where to start? Sometimes this can be the hardest part. We’re here to help.
Look through our estate planning checklist so that you can make sure all your bases are covered. Answer the following questions to get started on your own estate plan.
What Are Your Goals for Creating an Estate Plan?
Before you begin your estate plan, you will want to identify what your reasons are for creating it. Are you hoping to establish a care plan for your children or pets? Are you hoping to have control over how your assets are dispersed in the case of your death?
There are many different reasons people prepare an estate plan to prepare for possible death, illness, or injury. To help you navigate your estate plans, consider the issues most likely to affect you or your loved ones if you became ill or passed. This will help you focus on the priorities of your estate plan.
What Assets Do You Want to Include?
Next, you’ll want to list off the assets you wish to include in your estate plan. This will allow your assets to be easily transferred to the new owners you’ve designated in your plan. This will help your family sort through your assets based on your wishes.
When going through your assets, you may want to identify how these assets are owned and managed. If you don’t have any beneficiaries on your accounts, it may be a good time to add them. Note these beneficiaries on your asset lists.
Are There Any Risks to Your Assets?
You will want to make sure your assets and wealth are kept safe. It’s important to identify possible risks that you could face that may result in loss of wealth. This could be a number of things, from nursing home costs to claims against your business.
Considering these risks will allow you to prepare possible solutions for your loved ones.
Who Do You Want to Leave Your Assets To?
After sorting and listing your assets, you will want to identify which loved ones you want to protect and provide for if something happens to you. Make a list of those who you want to include in your estate plan. This will help you in case you need special tools or additional steps for certain beneficiaries.
Consider loved ones such as spouses, children, parents, and business partners. You will also want to establish whether you want to make any charitable contributions with your wealth.
Estate Planning Checklist
If you are having a hard time putting together your estate plan, use this estate planning checklist to assist you. Putting together an estate plan can be a difficult process. Make sure you’re covering all your bases by taking your estate plan a step at a time.
Are you looking for an estate attorney to help you construct an estate plan that will protect your loved ones? Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can get started.