Estate planning is crucial not only for ensuring your wishes are honored after your passing but also for saving money and minimizing complications for your heirs. Your personalized Peace of Mind Planning Session begins with a review of the costs involved in not doing a proper estate plan.  We will go over your personal situation as spelled out in your Family & Legacy Profile—such as key individuals in your life, including family members, dependents, and beneficiaries, as well as a review of your assets.

This information forms the basis for Attorney Erik Newton to provide tailored advice on how to effectively distribute these assets. We may also discuss the implications of estate taxes and the importance of minimizing potential tax burdens on your heirs.

The Peace of Mind Planning Session is also educational. Plan Ahead will outline various estate planning tools, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies. A will dictates how your assets will be distributed, while a trust can help manage your assets during your lifetime and after death, often avoiding probate. The lawyer may recommend specific trusts based on your goals, whether charitable giving, tax efficiency, or protecting assets for heirs.

The discussion will also cover important decisions regarding guardianship, especially if you have minor children. Designating a trusted individual to care for your children is a significant aspect of estate planning that requires careful consideration.

By the end of the Peace of Mind Planning Session, you should have a clearer understanding of the legal tools available to you and how they can be implemented to align with your wishes based on our unique, flat fee approach. If we decide things are a good fit, we will move on the schedule the Design Meeting and Signing Ceremony right at the Peace of Mind Planning Session. This sets the foundation for a secure future for you and your loved ones, ensuring that your legacy is handled with care and intention.