What We Can Offer You

ESTATE PLANNING

Most investors know that Estate planning creates a master plan for the management of property during their life and the distribution of that property at the time of their passing. What they may not realize is the relief and comfort it will provide their loved ones.

What can Estate Planning do for you?:

  • Provide more control over your assets during your life
  • Provide care when you are disabled
  • Allow for the transfer of wealth to whom you want, when you want, at the lowest possible cost

Common Estate Planning issues addressed by your financial advisor may include:

  • The transfer of wealth and assets
  • Minimizing transfer taxes
  • Asset protection
  • Charitable giving

Wealth transfer planning can provide your loved ones comfort and peace by providing a smooth and orderly distribution of your assets, in accordance with your wishes. Proper estate planning allows you to decide to whom, how, and when your assets will be distributed, as well as who will manage your estate or business.

Special considerations and issues that may need to be addressed in the process of Estate Planning include:

  • Providing financial security for others
  • Planning for children of a previous marriage
  • Equalizing inheritances fairly
  • Retiring from your business

Wealth transfer planning also involves the management of assets during disability or incapacity.

A major goal of estate planning is to minimize potential taxes without interfering with your other financial goals. If you give away wealth, during life or at death, you may incur federal, and possibly state taxes. You can help protect the assets you transfer from excessive depletion by having your financial advisor explain these taxes and the various strategies you can use to minimize them.

If you own substantial assets, creditor protection can be a concern, and creditors can come in many forms. An asset protection plan first identifies potential exposure, and then identifies preventive tools and strategies to reduce that exposure.

Asset protection planning deals with ownership issues, liability insurance, statutory protections, special needs trusts, offshore and domestic trusts, prenuptial agreements, divorce, and business dissolution’s.

Charitable giving is motivated by both personal and tax incentives, and is an important part of Estate Planning for many clients. Congress encourages charitable giving through tax legislation that can minimize your income and estate taxes. Charitable planning involves selecting the gifted property and a charitable structure that will target your needs while creating a legacy of good for your selected charitable cause.

Our process does not end with estate planning but coordinates your estate plan with your overall plans for your business, investments, insurance, and employee benefits.

Common Questions

  • Have I planned for joint ownership?
    This is one of the first questions you should ask regarding any asset you own, including your home, vehicles, and various accounts. When an asset is held jointly, upon the death of one of the named owners, the asset passes to the survivor free of probate.
  • Have I designated beneficiaries for all my assets? 
    When you name a beneficiary for an asset, it transfers upon your death (free of probate) to the named person, provided you complete a beneficiary designation form, also known as a “payable on death” designation. Many types of accounts allow this, including investment accounts, IRAs, other retirement accounts, and life insurance policies.