So you have made the decision to work on your estate plan. That is a great start. Before you head out and find a quality elder law attorney like Stano Law group, there are some things to consider.
Every good estate plan has some common elements. To make the most out of your time with your attorney and be more productive, you should have some of these elements thought out beforehand. Here is a list of those common elements you should be thinking about for your estate plan.

 


List Your Important Accounts and Accompanying Documents

You already know where all of your critical accounts are and where your important documents are. The problem is, if something happens that prevents you from being able to communicate that information, it can end up being a major issue.

Sit down and make a list of all of your financial accounts including bank, retirement, investments, credit cards and anything else that is important. Along with this list, make a list of the locations of your important documents like social security card, passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, etc. This can help out your executor or power of attorney in times of need.

 

Choose your Power of Attorney

If something occurs that prevents you from making important medical and financial decisions for yourself, you need to name someone to speak for you. This person is your power of attorney.

Choose someone whom you know is going to keep your best interests at heart and will make decisions for you like you would on your own.

Also, before you name this person, make sure that they are willing to perform this duty for you. It is not something that a person is going to want to be surprised by in a trying or emotional time.

 

Think about your Living Will

A living will spells out the details of your medical care should you become unable to make those wishes known on your own.

You can specify things about being kept on life support, resuscitation wishes and other medical decisions.

Having these wishes written down can help your elder law attorney draft the proper documents to be used.

 

Draft your Will

When you are gone, you will want your possessions distributed to your heirs. What, how much and to who are all up to you.

Having an idea of whom you want what to go to before you speak with your attorney can make an estate planning session move much smoother.

 

Prepare your Digital Assets

Social media accounts, email and online services are all part of your estate as well.

You need to figure out what is going to happen to your digital music library as well as your Facebook, Twitter and Google Play accounts.

Remember that the laws surrounding these things are still very much in flux. Your elder law attorney will be able to assist with the details.

 

Need an Estate Planning Team?

If you need help with your estate plan contact Stano Law group today.