Items to Gather When Preparing to Create an Estate Plan

With a bit of foresight and preparation, creating an estate plan can be a smooth and easy process! To ensure that you have everything you need at your fingertips when it’s time to meet with your Sacramento will lawyer, there are some items that you will want to gather in advance.

First, you will want to create a list of all your assets and liabilities. Everyone will need to do this at some point during the estate planning process and the sooner you get this completed, the sooner your estate plan will be finalized. If there is something you forgot to add to the list, it is not the end of the world, and your attorney will recognize the error. Here are some common assets and liabilities you will want to include:

Any bank accounts. Having recent statements is a great way to go.
Investment accounts
Stocks and bonds
Life insurance and Annuity policies
Deeds for properties you own
Retirement plans
Business partnerships or LLC interests
Money owed to you
Personal effects
Loans and credit

You will also want to think about who you want to control these assets if you are incapacitated or inherit these assets when you are gone. Your Sacramento will lawyer can help you narrow down candidates, but ultimately, these decisions will be made by you. Likewise, if there are certain items or properties that you want a specific person to receive, write those wishes down so that you don’t forget to address them with your lawyer. Also, if you have someone in mind to act as the executor, guardian for minor children, or medical power of attorney, let your attorney know so they can begin creating those legal documents.

By doing these things in advance, you will have a great head start. The result is a more streamlined process and a stronger sense of control over the planning of your estate. Both you and your lawyer will benefit from clear, concise communication. To set up your consultation today, please contact our Sacramento law firm or one of our many other offices located throughout the state of California by calling (800) 244-8814.

If you have any further questions about asset protection planning and strategies to shield your wealth, or if you’d like to have your current asset protection plan reviewed to make sure it still meets your needs, please contact us at our California office at 800-244-8814 to set up a consultation.