5 Important Estate Planning Tools

Fairfield County Estate Planning Attorneys

The common belief that estate planning services are only for the elderly or rich is nothing more than a misconception. The truth is that everyone has assets, property, and pieces of their own estate that should be protected and managed, either now or after they pass away. In order to make an estate plan that works for you, the right tools must be utilized and in the correct way.

Our Fairfield County estate planning lawyers at Bayer & Black, P.C. have compiled a list of the top 5 estate planning tools every Connecticut resident needs in place, regardless of their assets or income. We encourage you to review them and consider what you need to do to ensure that you and your loved ones will be stress-free when it comes to the future of your estate. You can also contact us by calling 203-762-0751.

  1. Last will and testament: Normally called just a will, a last will and testament describes how you want your possessions and responsibilities to be handled upon your passing. You can name inheritors, give portions of your estate to charity, grant custody of your children to a loved one, and more.
  2. Living will: A legal document that describes what medical care treatments and facilities to be used when you are incapable of making the decision for yourself, perhaps due to old age or a debilitating illness or injury.
  3. Designation of conservator: Some medical situations will require a decision that might not have been foreseen and therefore not addressed in your living will. By using a designation of conservator form, you can decide ahead of time who will be able to make those choices on your behalf if you are incapacitated.
  4. Power of attorney for spouse and adult children: Setting up a power of attorney for your spouse or any adult children will allow you to make important financial and healthcare decisions should they ever become incapacitated. If you do not want that responsibility, you may wish to speak to them about who else should be considered.
  5. Direction for disposition of remains: Your remains may be disposed in one of several ways upon your passing, including burial and cremation. For many people, a direction for disposition of remains form is the most important part of their estate plan, and completing it gives them peace of mind.

Honest Legal Counsel You Can Trust

Upon another review of the aforementioned top 5 estate planning tools everyone should have in place, sooner than later, you should notice that none require you to be of certain age or have an estate of a certain value. Usage of each form is focused on making your life and the lives of your loved ones and friends easier. Without them, troubling decisions may add more stress to an already difficult time, should you become incapacitated or pass away.

At Bayer & Black, our Connecticut estate planning attorneys are passionate about helping our clients find comfort in knowing that they are ready for whatever the future brings their way. Contact us and we can get you started down the path of proper estate planning.