Estate Planning Basics
Working with an attorney or tax planner
It's important to work with an attorney and possibly a tax advisor / planner on your estate plan. The attorney will guide you through the creation of fundamental estate planning documents. These may include a will, health proxy and a durable power of attorney. A tax advisor / planner can help you with any associated tax issues. You will make the final decisions, but your attorney and tax advisor can help you understand the implications of each option. They will help you communicate your wishes clearly, avoid mistakes, minimize taxes, and adjust your plan accordingly as you age, and your circumstances change.
An attorney or tax planner can be well worth the cost—significant savings can result from thorough, informed planning.
Maximizing what you leave behind
This will be a key theme throughout your estate planning efforts. It's important to get legal or tax advice consider how each asset will pass to your beneficiaries, as well as your estate. The best options vary from person to person based on the asset type, asset size, age, and several other potential factors.
You'll want to be thoroughly informed on what actions you can take now to make sure the least possible is lost to taxes, court fees, and other expenses.
The Importance of Beneficiary Designations
One of the most confusing concepts is the relationship between your beneficiary designations and your will. Assigning beneficiary designations should be a separate task from leaving assets to a loved one in your will. Both are equally important, but a beneficiary is more efficient in most states.
Beneficiary designations take precedence over what you’ve specified in your will or trust. For example, if you leave everything to your children in your will, but your ex-spouse is listed as the beneficiary on your accounts, part your estate will go to your ex-spouse, not your kids as per your will or wishes.
Even if your will was updated after the divorce to name your children, the beneficiary designation of each asset will dictate where that asset goes at your death.
Beneficiary designations are a form of estate planning and should be selected with careful intention. appointing beneficiaries on an account is just like a contractual arrangement. Therefore, it is vital to review them often to ensure that your true intentions are in place. The last thing you want is for your valuable assets to end up in the wrong hands!
Update your Beneficiaries Frequently if Needed
Your beneficiary designations play a significant role in the distribution of your assets. You want to review your beneficiaries frequently to keep everything up to date — especially necessary when there is a significant life-altering or a death event within your family. We recommend reviewing your beneficiaries every 1 to 3 years to make sure everything is in place. This keeps you and your family on the same page and no surprises.
For more information, Contact MCF today!
Hunter Nighbert
Financial Advisor
hnighbert@mcfadvisors.com
859-967-0990
Schedule a meeting
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The tax information and estate planning information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. MCF does not provide legal or tax advice. Laws of a particular state or laws that may be applicable to a particular situation may have an impact on the applicability, accuracy, or completeness of such information. Federal and state laws and regulations are complex and are subject to change. Changes in such laws and regulations may have a material impact on pre- and/or after-tax investment results. MCF makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use. MCF disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.