{"id":1156,"date":"2020-08-11T06:28:22","date_gmt":"2020-08-11T06:28:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/?p=1156"},"modified":"2020-08-11T06:28:22","modified_gmt":"2020-08-11T06:28:22","slug":"estate-planning-101-what-should-be-in-your-estate-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unitedfinances.com\/blog\/estate-planning-101-what-should-be-in-your-estate-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Estate Planning 101: What Should Be in Your Estate Plan?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Did you know that only <\/span>18% of Americans<\/span><\/a> above 55 years have the right legacy plan essentials?<\/span><\/p>\n

Contrary to common belief, estate planning goes beyond having a will. It would be best if you had a durable power of attorney and a healthcare directive. These essentials will ensure that your wishes will be granted upon your demise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Estate planning isn\u2019t a reserve for the tycoons. If you\u2019re above 18 years, you\u2019re a potential candidate for estate planning.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what should you have in your estate plan? Here is a guide on estate planning 101 that will give you adequate headway as you consider your planning your estate.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Durable Power of Attorney<\/span><\/p>\n

A durable power of attorney is an indispensable part of real estate planning. A power of attorney ensures that you have an agent who will make decisions when incapacitated through illness or death.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without a power of attorney, the court has the mandate to decide how to handle your assets, which might not be how you\u2019d have wished to have your assets distributed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The durable power of attorney is a real estate planning document that gives your agent the authority to make financial transactions, legal, and real estate decisions as if they were you.<\/span><\/p>\n

The POA can be on a single person who will handle everything. You can also designate the POA to different individuals for various situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

It would be best to designate trusted persons such as your older children, spouse, or siblings to be the power of attorney. Ensure that your ideal choice is a money-savvy individual who will follow your wishes to the letter. More importantly, consider backup POA as your first choice might be unwilling or unable to act.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Wills or Trusts<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are part of the <\/span>68% of the Americans<\/span><\/a> without a will, you’re missing one of the most crucial estates planning documents.<\/span><\/p>\n

A will indicates how you’d want your property to be divided once you die. It further includes the appointment of a guardian, who will look after your minor children and other dependents, including pets.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trusts almost play the same role as a will. However, a trust is somehow private as it doesn’t go through the court proceeding before it’s executed. A will goes through probate, making it a public record.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trusts and wills need to be consistent in how you have bequeathed the assets outside your will. For instance, naming one beneficiary on an insurance policy that is out of the will and bequeathing the same to a second person in the will can prompt a will contest. Your will and trust shouldn\u2019t be a cause of family conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Letter of Intent<\/span><\/p>\n

In estate planning 101, a letter of intent is among the most crucial things you can’t afford to ignore.<\/span><\/p>\n

A letter of intent refers to a letter that you leave to your will’s executor to provide an overview of your wishes on the distribution of your assets after you die. The letter of intent also has relevant details that you’d want to be relayed during your funeral.<\/span><\/p>\n

It would be essential to note that a letter of intent is necessary, but it’s not legally binding. As such, it shouldn’t replace a trust or a will. If anything, the letter of intent adds a personal touch to the whole process as you’ll have written it.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a letter of intent, you’re not limited to what to include. Besides logistical wishes on asset division, you can write other emotional issues that you wish to communicate to your loved ones. You might want to emphasize the values you want them to have even after your demise.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Beneficiary Designations<\/span><\/p>\n

Several of your assets can pass to your dependents, even if they are not indicated on the will. It would be best to have beneficiary designations, especially on assets that aren’t on the will. For instance, your insurance plans need a beneficiary and a contingent beneficiary since they will pass outside your will.<\/span><\/p>\n

When planning <\/span>your collection<\/span><\/a> and other tangible assets, consider all your financial accounts. You need to have your beneficiary designations always updated. In case of a beneficiary\u2019s death, remarriage, or divorce, update the designations as necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can have more than one name as beneficiaries depending on how you want to split your assets. The good thing about non-retirement accounts is that you’ll only name the person you wish to inherit the money on the transfer of death form.<\/span><\/p>\n

A beneficiary designation is among the estate planning 101 people often forget as the financial accounts involved aren\u2019t within a will.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. A Living Will<\/span><\/p>\n

When planning an estate, a living will should be a priority. A living will refer to a legal document that communicates to others what you’d prefer about end-of-life treatment. It outlines the medication procedures you would want if you’re incapacitated to the point that you can’t communicate.<\/span><\/p>\n

A living will is different from the typical last will. The former is enacted when you’re still alive but in a terminal state or unconscious and unable to voice your medical wishes. The thought of a living will is chilling, yet it is considered crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n

In your living will, you need to reflect on some medical scenarios;<\/span><\/p>\n