As discussed in our previous blog post, there are many things to consider when creating an estate plan for the first time. If you’re thinking about starting your planning, you will want to make careful decisions so that your needs are met and your family is protected. Take a look at the remaining 9 things to remember when creating your estate plan. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to begin your estate plan, meet with an estate planning attorney.
- Don’t forget to consider emergency planning. If you want to be prepared in the event of a medical emergency, you will need to create a plan that includes this special planning. Consider creating a living will and medical power of attorney document. This will allow you to specify your medical wishes regarding certain treatments and will allow you to nominate someone to help make decisions when you’re unable to.
- Keep your estate planning documents in a safe and organized place. This will allow you to have easy access to your planning, if needed. You may consider giving a copy of your planning to a trusted loved one in case something was to happen to your documents. Be cautious of putting your original documents in a safe deposit box since your agent may have difficulty getting access to the box if something happens to you.
- Carefully choose your beneficiaries. You want to make sure that you’re giving your assets to the right people. This is a decision that you should carefully consider before finalizing.
- Carefully choose your trusted helpers. You will need to appoint trusted helpers who will help you in the future. It’s important to choose individuals who are trustworthy, responsible, and reliable. It’s also important to discuss the responsibilities of each job with your trusted helpers so that they are fully prepared for the duties.
If you have any questions about your estate plan needs, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.
John Potter is an Estate Planning and Elder Law attorney in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area with offices in Ballantyne and Huntersville. John has been designated as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation and a Board Certified Specialist in Elder Law by the North Carolina State Bar.
John’s practice focuses on the use of Wills and Living Trusts in Estate Planning to help individuals protect their families and preserve their legacies after their deaths, but his practice also focuses on the critical issues of protecting individuals with dementia or other diminished capacity, assisting individuals in qualifying for Medicaid and other government benefits to offset the costs of long-term care, and providing special needs planning.
John is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio, and he is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
John’s practice focuses on the use of Wills and Living Trusts in Estate Planning to help individuals protect their families and preserve their legacies after their deaths, but his practice also focuses on the critical issues of protecting individuals with dementia or other diminished capacity, assisting individuals in qualifying for Medicaid and other government benefits to offset the costs of long-term care, and providing special needs planning.
John is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio, and he is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Latest posts by John Potter (see all)
- What You Need to Know about the Medicaid Look-Back Rule - January 3, 2023
- How to Pass Down Your Legacy in Your Estate Plan - October 3, 2022
- Practical Steps to Take after Receiving a Terminal Diagnosis - September 30, 2022
