Estate Planning

The essentials—documents, titles, beneficiaries, and a simple flow that keeps money and decisions moving to the right people at the right time.

What is Estate Planning?

The core documents: will, revocable living trust (if used), powers of attorney, health care directives.
Beneficiary designations and account titles that actually match the plan.
Trust funding: how assets get titled so the trust works.
Probate vs. non probate transfers (TOD/POD, beneficiary forms, joint ownership).
Survivor income: Social Security, pension options, RMDs, and tax flow for the spouse.
Digital access: passwords, online accounts, and where documents live.
Charitable gifts (DAF, QCDs, bequests) and simple strategies to make them tax smart.
Guardianship for minor children and special needs planning when necessary.

Buy sell agreements:triggers, valuation method, and funding.
Voting vs. non voting interests and who controls operations.
Key person considerations and continuity for payroll/clients/vendors.
How ownership passes: sale, redemption, or transfer to heirs—and how to keep it fair if only one child works in the business.

A one page Estate Blueprint: who decides, who receives, and how each asset moves.
Beneficiary & titling audit across all accounts, policies, and entities.
A Trust Funding Plan (if a trust is used) with a clear to do list.
Document readiness checklist to take to the attorney.
Family meeting outline to share the plan at the right depth.
A secure grab and go packet for the executor and spouse/partner.

Buy‑sell agreement tuned to the current valuation method and funding (term/permanent).
Control planning: voting vs. non‑voting recap to separate economics from decisions.
Successor readiness: roles, timelines, and a short continuity plan.
Equalization for non‑operating heirs (life insurance, non‑voting shares, or other assets).
Key person coverage and a simple 30‑60‑90 day operating plan.

Is a trust necessary?

Useful when avoiding probate, coordinating multiple accounts, or managing long‑term control; otherwise, a will + beneficiary forms can work.

How often should the plan be reviewed?

After major life events and at least every 2–3 years.

Should the house be titled in the trust?

Often yes when a trust is used; local rules and lender terms apply.

What’s the difference between a living will and a health care power of attorney?

One expresses wishes; the other names a decision‑maker. Both matter.

How do digital assets get handled?

Keep a password manager, list of key accounts, and access instructions for the executor.