Stratford estate planning lawyers are often asked by their clients to explain what comprises a basic estate plan. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question because an estate plan all depends on the situation and the needs of the individual. For instance, a basic estate plan for one person might include a Revocable Living Trust, while for another, it might only consist of a Power of Attorney and a Living Will. However, there are a few basic documents that the majority of adults will need when they decide to finally tackle their estate planning. They are as follows:

Last Will and Testament

A Last Will and Testament is a necessary document to direct how your estate is distributed upon your passing. A basic Last Will and Testament will not save you from estate taxes or probate proceedings, but it will allow you the comfort of knowing that the people you want to benefit from your estate will receive their inheritance. Stratford estate planning lawyers recommend that any individual with even a modest amount of assets they’d like to leave behind to loved ones should create a Last Will and Testament.

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney allows an agent to act on your behalf in financial, business, and real estate matters if you should ever become incapacitated or otherwise unable to handle your own affairs. Unlike a Last Will and Testament, the Power of Attorney is only in effect during your lifetime. Depending on the type of Power of Attorney, it may only be active if certain criteria are met. A Stratford estate planning lawyer can help you decide what kind of Power of Attorney is right for your situation.

Living Will

A Living Will allows your medical wishes to be known to family, healthcare personnel, and caretakers in the event that you become incapacitated. A Living Will also allows you to name representatives who can make medical decisions for you if you are unable to yourself. An estate planning attorney in Stratford can help you decide what kind of health guidelines should be put forth in the Living Will and who might be the best healthcare agents to name in the document.

Beneficiary Designations

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