“estate” consists of all your assets, including houses, cars, life insurance, and retirement plans. It also includes debt. Estate planning minimizes family fights after you are gone and can help ensure that your assets are transferred as you want them.

Estate planners have many stories they could tell about the situations they see daily. Here are some of the top 10 facts about estate planning:

You Have an Estate

When we use the term “estate,” we refer to all the property a person owns. This includes everything from land to personal belongings. This includes physical and intangible assets, such as land or real estate, possessions, investments, and cash.

An estate plan is vital for any individual, regardless of age or wealth. With one, your wishes may be carried out, which can cost heirs considerable expense and aggravation. With a well-constructed plan, such problems can be avoided.

You Have a Will

Estate planning is a crucial piece of preparing for your death. If you die without a will, state law determines how your property is distributed.

A will can help your heirs avoid a lengthy probate process, which could be costly. A will can also reduce your heirs’ gift and estate taxes.

You Have a Power of Attorney

Many people shy away from obtaining a Power of Attorney New York (or elsewhere) because they are afraid of family friction after their death. Yet, it can be a big help in ensuring that your wishes are carried out.

It also helps avert costly probate fees. It is best to consider the person you want to be your agent in a power of attorney.

You Have a Living Will

We all have things of value we want to pass on to our family and loved ones. Leaving an estate without a plan could leave your assets to the state (called escheat).

It’s also essential to regularly review and update an estate plan with the help of Chuck Roberts Stifel from CR Wealth Management Group. People can change. The fiduciaries named may be deceased or unable to serve. Heirs may have remarried. Even beneficiaries on accounts and life insurance policies can change.

You Have a Health Care Power of Attorney

If you are unable to make choices about your health, a healthcare power of attorney gives them the ability to do so. This is a crucial aspect of estate planning.

A well-crafted estate plan can mitigate family conflicts, save time and money, and avoid costly disputes that may arise after death. It can also reduce stress for beneficiaries and their families. This is why everyone should have a plan.

You Have a Durable Power of Attorney

A legal document known as a durable power of attorney gives someone else the authority to make choices unrelated to your health or finances on your behalf. It’s “durable” because it remains in effect even if you become incapacitated.

Planning your estate involves deciding how to distribute your assets and fulfill your legacy wishes after you pass away. It is essential to carefully consider your options and make a plan to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It also helps minimize taxes for your loved ones.

You Have a Health Care Directive

Many people think estate planning is just for the wealthy. However, everyone can benefit from it.

A living will, or health care directive, designates a person to make medical decisions in case you can’t communicate. This can help prevent family conflict.

You Have a Living Will

Those who want to ensure their estates pass to heirs following their wishes should consider estate planning. This includes listing beneficiaries for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets.

It’s essential to review and update an estate plan regularly. This is especially true following major life events or when public policy changes. It’s also necessary to list liabilities, like debt or mortgages.

You Have a Trust

Many people own assets like life insurance policies, investments, and season tickets that must be carefully accounted for in an estate plan. They also may have liabilities such as mortgages and open credit accounts.

Without an estate plan, state law decides who receives your property, which may not be where you want it to go. Trusts can help. They can reduce costs and prevent conflicts.

You Have a Will

A will is one of the most fundamental parts of an estate plan. It outlines how you want to leave your property to family and friends and can minimize taxes and fees.

It also helps avoid family disputes over inheritance choices, guardianship appointments, etc. Without a will, state law dictates how your property is distributed. This can be a costly mistake for your family!