Estate Planning

Many people believe that estate planning is nothing more than a way for the very wealthy to reduce -- or avoid -- estate taxes. While minimizing estate taxes certainly is a significant benefit of estate planning, there are many additional benefits of planning your estate. With a carefully constructed estate plan, you can also:

• Make sure that your assets are distributed as you wish and in a timely manner
• Designate guardians for your minor children
• Provide instructions for your health care and the management of your assets in the event that you become incapacitated
• Create a plan to manage the assets that you pass on to your loved ones
  Protect the assets you leave to your loved ones from creditors
• Avoid a costly and time consuming probate proceeding

Even if you are a person of modest means you -- and your heirs -- will most likely benefit from having an estate plan.