 Estate Planning
At Isenhour Bleck we can help put your mind at ease that you
have provided for your loved ones at your
death. We will work with you to prepare a plan for
how your assets will be distributed at your death, we will advise you on how to
minimize estate taxes and we will assist you in coordinating your retirement
benefits with your estate plan.
Why do I need a Will?
A Will is your opportunity to decide how you want to
distribute your property after your death.
Without a Will your property accumulated during your lifetime will be
transferred according to a statutory scheme that may be inconsistent with your
wishes. A Will is particularly important
in the following circumstances:
- To
ensure that bequests made to your minor or adult children are held in
trust until the appropriate age, which you decide. Without a Will, your children will
receive their statutory share of your estate at age 18, with no
restrictions or supervision. Also,
with a Will you have an opportunity to select the person you want to serve
as the Guardian for your minor children.
- To
protect a disabled child or loved one by leaving a bequest in a Special
Needs Trust. This type of trust
will allow the disabled beneficiary to preserve eligibility for government
benefits such as Medicaid and SSI and still benefit from the assets in the
Special Needs Trust.
- To
avoid paying unnecessary estate taxes.
Married couples should consider including provisions in their Wills
to maximize their protection from estate taxes.
- To
ensure that a domestic partner is provided for at your death.
- To
protect your current spouse in a second marriage and your children from an
earlier marriage.
What is included in an Estate Plan?
- Will: your Will provides for the transfer of
your property at your death.
- Living
Trust: some people prefer to
transfer property at death through a living trust instead of through a
Will. We can review with you the
difference between a Will and a Living Trust and help you decide which
option would be best for you.
- Durable
Power of Attorney: a document
to appoint an agent to make medical and financial decisions for you if you
are unable to do so because of illness or an accident.
- Health
Care Directive: a statement of
your wish not to be kept on life support if you are terminally ill or in a
permanent vegetative condition.
| 
