Is Your Estate Plan Complete?
We talk a lot about “estate planning,” but what does it really mean? What documents are we talking about, and what do they do, exactly? Let’s break it down.
Simply put, estate planning is the process of creating legal documents that outline what happens to your money and assets after you pass away. But it doesn’t stop there! Estate planning also includes preparing for the possibility of incapacity, ensuring your wishes are followed if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself.
At its core, estate planning is about giving you control—over your assets, your care, and your legacy. You decide what you want to happen, and we as lawyers help you memorialize those wishes in legally-binding documents.
When you work with us at McPhillips Law, you’ll leave with a suite of legal documents, including:
Last Will and Testament OR Revocable Living Trust + Pour Over Will – Decides who inherits your assets and how, when, and under what circumstances.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney – Appoints someone to manage your finances and make other key financial decisions if you’re unable to do so.
Health Care Surrogate Designation – Names a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Guardianship Nominations for Minor Children – Ensures your children are cared for by the right people no matter what.
Remembrance & Services Memorandum – Outlines your wishes for burial or cremation and funeral celebration.
Living Will/End of Life Directive - Describes your medical treatment wishes if you become seriously ill.
HIPAA Release - Identifies who can receive your health care records.
Personal Property Memorandum – Specifies who should receive sentimental or personal belongings.
Each document is tailored to reflect your wishes, whether it’s naming the right people for important roles or making sure your prized handbag collection ends up in your daughter’s hands.
Once everything is signed and finalized, you’ll receive your estate plan in an organized binder in a fireproof and waterproof storage folder, as well as digital copies, that can be safely stored at home. And if you need to make updates or changes, my office is just a phone call away!
Ready To Get Started?
Take the first step towards peace of mind by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session with Attorney Candice McPhillips. This is a 1-hour Zoom meeting where we will review your questionnaire, answer your questions, discuss your options, and review my unique flat fee packages! If we decide we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll take the next steps. And if not, that’s fine too! Book your Peace of Mind Planning Session HERE. Mention this blog and I’ll waive the $450 session fee!
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This article is not intended to provide legal advice or opinion and should not be relied on as such. Legal advice can only be provided to clients of McPhillips Law in response to a specific fact situation.
