Planning today for whatever tomorrow may bring.
The Law Office of Crystal M. Richardson is here to help
WHY DO I NEED AN ESTATE PLAN?
Our law office believes that estate planning shouldn't be a crisis. When it comes to estate plans, our motto is 'if you stay ready, you don't have to get ready', which is why we work with you to craft a plan tailored to your needs, long before you ever need one. Together, we'll create a plan that keeps you in control of your situation, and gives you a voice - even in situations where you may not be able to speak for yourself.
Creating an estate plan is essential. Without one your wishes may be left up to chance, or even decided for you by a government-issued plan via State-based Intestate Succession laws.
At the Law Office of Crystal M. Richardson, we'll help you draft a plan that meets your needs and preserves your wishes, no matter the circumstances.
What Does an Estate Plan Include?
An updated Last Will and Testament, as well as a Living Will. A Living Will is often known as an Advance Directive. Additionally, we will include documents like Healthcare and General or Specific Power of Attorney.
A HIPPA Release Authorization, which will grant authorization to a specific third party to access your personal healthcare records. This release can be tailored to allow only certain information to be disclosed.
Some estate plans may also include ownership transfers in the case of real or personal property you own. If needed, we'll also explore the creation of a family land trust or LLC for any land included in your estate plan.
Beneficiary designations for any non-probate assets. This includes things like life insurance policies where a beneficiary has been named, assets under a living trust, funds held in a pension plan, and many more.
WHAT DOES AN ESTATE PLAN DO?
An estate plan places your property directly into the hands of those you wish to have it. It protects assets from mismanagement, and allows them to endure for generations to come.
A quality estate plan can insulate from creditors and help you and your loved ones achieve your financial goals. Through this, it can also help you to avoid excessive taxation and probate fees.
With an estate plan in place, your loved ones will receive more of the valuables and assets you've prepared for them, even with the shrinkage attributable to probate. They'll also receive a mechanism for use and management of those assets, ensuring they remain sustainable and beneficial well into the future.
