Make A Quick List, Check It Twice

Wondering where to start as you consider creating an estate plan? Thinking through this short and sweet checklist will give you a solid foundation for your estate plan:

• Beneficiaries: Who will get your assets when you pass away? Friends, family, charities?

• Specific Gifts: Do you have any special items such as family heirlooms or jewelry that you would like certain individuals to receive after you pass away?

• Trustee: Who will manage assets on behalf of your children if you pass away while they are young?

• Executor: Who do you trust to distribute your assets as you have spelled out in your will?

• Financial Representative (POA): Who should make decisions regarding your finances and other personal business if you become incapacitated?

• Health Care Representative (POA): Who should make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated?

• Living Will: If you are in a terminal state as determined by a physician and unable to make decisions on your own, would you like to receive life-prolonging care, or would you prefer to receive comfort care only?

Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season to you and your family!