Why Do You Need an Estate Plan?


Your house is one of the biggest investments you will ever make and I want to be sure you and your home are in good hands. The plain and simple fact of living is that one day we will die. It’s sad but true. How do you protect your biggest asset - your home? You have an estate plan.
Having an estate plan is important for your care if/when you are medically incapacitated and distribution of assets after your death. An estate plan should clearly define:

  • ·       Medical instructions including naming a medical power of attorney
  • ·       How to distribute your assets after your death
  • ·       Custody of minor children and disabled adults in your care
  • ·       Special requests for your assets such as naming a caretaker or leaving money for your pet(s).


What is an estate Plan?

An estate plan is a plan for your well-being if you are medically incapacitated and a plan for your assets after your death. Having an estate plan means you are taken care of even if you are unable to communicate. It also means your assets are distributed to named beneficiaries, the people you want to receive the assets. Without a will or estate plan, your estate will go to a probate court where a judge decides who will receive your assets, including your home.

What is included in an estate plan?

An estate plan is a comprehensive document to protect your assets and includes the following:
  • ·       Will
  • ·       Living Will or Health Care Directive
  • ·       Financial Power of Attorney
  • ·       Life insurance and other insurance policies
  • ·       Deeds to real estate
  • ·       Bank and investment account information
  • ·       Funeral Directive

Working with an estate planning attorney, you can organize all of these documents to protect your family and your assets in the event of your illness or death. For more information about Arizona estate planning, please contact Sally Worthington at Helm Livesay & Worthington for pointers and to get your plan started. Sally has helped my family with her needs and I know you can trust her with your plans for the future.

 You can call her at 480-345-9500 or her website it http://www.hlwaz.com


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