Protect What Matters Most

You probably don’t think about it every day, but everyone has an estate—everything you own, from your home and savings to your favorite collectibles. The question is: what happens to all of it when you’re no longer around? That’s where estate planning comes in. Think of it as a way to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for, without leaving them to navigate a messy legal maze.

Estate planning isn’t just about a will. It’s a set of  documents that guide what happens if you can’t manage your finances or healthcare—or when you pass away. At a minimum, a solid plan includes a will, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, living will, and HIPAA authorization. Many people also use a revocable living trust to simplify things further. A will lays out your wishes and names an executor and guardians for minor children, but it doesn’t avoid probate—the public, court-supervised process that can slow asset    distribution and add stress to your family.

A durable power of attorney lets someone you trust handle financial matters if you’re incapacitated. Similarly, a healthcare power of attorney allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. A living will spells out your healthcare preferences, including end-of-life wishes, while a HIPAA form gives caregivers access to your medical information so they can make informed decisions.

For those wanting privacy and to avoid probate, a revocable living trust is a game-changer. Assets in a trust pass directly to beneficiaries without court involvement, and trusts can protect heirs from unnecessary stress or financial mismanagement. Families with larger estates or complex situations might also use irrevocable trusts, spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs), or special-needs trusts to reduce taxes, protect assets, and manage distributions carefully.

Even if your estate is modest, planning matters. Joint   accounts, payable-on-death accounts, small estate affidavits, and annual gifting strategies can simplify transfers and reduce taxes. For anyone with minor children, having a plan is critical—without it, the state decides who cares for them and how your assets are  distributed.

The bottom line? Estate planning is about more than money—it’s about protecting loved ones and making your wishes clear. Regularly reviewing and updating your plan ensures it keeps up with changes in your life, finances, and the law. A well-crafted estate plan can prevent family disagreements, reduce stress, and provide peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of exactly the way you want.

Whether your estate is big or small, now is the time to make your plan. Work with an estate planning attorney to navigate legal and tax considerations and give yourself—and your family—the clarity and security they deserve.

Obviously these explanations are very general—each document has its own purpose and details. The key is getting this part of your financial plan checked off. We’re happy to walk through the documents and help you gather the information an attorney will need to draft them. Reach out and we’ll set up a time to make it happen.