As the tax code and probate process have become more complex, estate planning has become an important aspect of modern day financial planning. Estate planning involves much more than distributing assets after death. In fact, it is often a tool for planning and organizing one’s life and one’s financial affairs. The general estate plan is used to avoid probate, minimize taxes, nominate guardians, nominate individuals to act on your behalf if you are incapacitated and unable to care for yourself, identify successor trustees, and provide an asset distribution plan. The standard estate plan usually consists of the following documents:

• Revocable Living Trust
• Will, including guardianship provisions
• Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs
• Advance Health Care Directive
• Deed(s) transferring real property to the Living Trust

Given the importance of these documents, Plastiras & Terrizzi is committed to making sure that you are completely satisfied with every provision in them. You can feel comfortable asking any and all questions, and making any changes you deem appropriate throughout the drafting process. Although estate plans are generally drafted to be adaptable so that changes do not need to be made at every change in one’s life situation, Plastiras & Terrizzi’s attorneys always remain available for future consultations as life changes happen.