Estate Planning
Estate planning is an important step that will help formalize how you wish to settle your affairs. Without a plan in place to protect, preserve, and transfer assets, decisions about us and our property are made based on law – not according to our wishes. Additionally, our estate values could rapidly diminish due to estate settlement costs and taxes. Everyone should have a plan in place, no matter what income or wealth level.
Foundation of a solid estate plan:
- Last Will and Testament
- Living Will and Health Care Proxy
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Unlimited Marital Deduction
- Credit Shelter Trust
- A beneficiary audit
While a Will can designate who receives assets, there are a number of strategies to transfer assets tax-efficiently, removing them from your estate while preserving their value for future generations.
- Gifts
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust
- Charitable Remainder Trust
- Dynasty Trust
- Note Sale to an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust
Creating and implementing an estate strategy may seem like a long, time-consuming task, so it’s best to work with the right professionals to help strategize a plan that aligns your goals with your situation.

Test Your Estate Strategy Knowledge

Estate Management 101