Since none of us know when our time will arrive – whether you are 35, 55, or 95 it is important you leave instructions. Here is a starting checklist of things to put in place now to help ensure your affairs are in proper order:
Beneficiary Designations: I would rank this as one of the most important things you should do – make sure you make and periodically review the beneficiary designations for all life insurance policies and investment accounts. Make certain you have designated contingent beneficiaries in place in the event your primary beneficiary dies before you. This method of asset transfer is the most powerful, as it supersedes the instructions in a will and may facilitate a faster distribution of assets.
Life Insurance: The money life insurance provides serves as a financial support for those you leave behind, which can be especially important if you have a non-working spouse, minor children, or dependent parents. If you were to die without life insurance, would your family be able to pay the mortgage, tuition for children’s education, funeral and burial expenses, outstanding debts, and other expenses? If you have anyone who depends on your income, it is imperative that you have sufficient life insurance protection. Our office can provide you with an assessment of your life insurance needs and quotes on obtaining needed coverage.
Financial Power of Attorney: This document allows you to name one or more “agents” to handle all or some of your financial and business affairs in the event you become incapacitated and unable to act for yourself. For example, you may allow someone to handle all of your financial affairs, including the power to sell, rent, or mortgage our home; pay your bills; cash or deposit checks; buy and sell stock, investments, or personal items. Or, you can limit the authorization to perhaps only the ability to pay monthly bills from your account only while you are incapacitated. Two resources for more information and sample forms are http://www.lawhelp.org and http://www.legalaid-ga.org. This document can be revoked or changed at any time prior to becoming incapacitated, however, because this “agent” will have access to your financial resources, it is important to choose someone you trust. In the absence of this document at the time of incapacity, a court may have to appoint a guardian to act on your behalf and in addition to the significant costs, this appointed person may not be the person you would choose.
Letter of Instructions: In addition to all of the legal documents mentioned here, it is also very helpful to draft a letter of instructions. Its job is to guide your survivors, so it can be a simple list or letter written in a casual tone. In this document, you should mention where your important legal documents (wills, trusts, birth and marriage certificates, deeds and titles to property, tax returns, etc) will be found; provide bank and retirement account numbers; list life insurance policies; provide contact information for clergy, accountants, and lawyers; provide instructions for the funeral (cremation vs. burial for example); and express your wishes for the distribution of personal possessions, jewelry, and other keepsakes. Review this important document periodically to make sure it is current, and tell key family members or key advisors where it is located or leave a copy with them to be opened upon your death. And even better would be to also discuss with those closest to you.
Advance Directive for Healthcare: As of July 1, 2007, the Advance Directive for Healthcare replaced the Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare in the state of Georgia. This document enables you to choose what type of life-sustaining medical care you want in the event of incapacity. This removes the burden of life-support and other related decisions from your loved ones eliminate the conflict these decisions may create and allows you to have a say. For information to help you create your own directive visit http://aging.dhr.georgia.gov. Guidelines in other states may vary.
Create a Will: A will’s primary purpose is to help convey titled property. A will also give you the ability to name an executor for your estate and guardians for your minor children. Whether you have only a car and a few small personal possessions or a multi-million dollar estate, you should specify who you want to receive your property upon your death. There are tools online and software programs to help you prepare your own simple will according to the guidelines in your state of residence; however, you may need the assistance of an attorney for more involved situations.
Create a Trust: Those with more complex situations or minor children may need to look into setting up a trust. A trust is a legal entity wherein a person gives ownership of his or her assets to a separate entity (the trust), which holds the property for the benefit of a third party beneficiary. Trusts also allow you to control how your assets are distributed. For instance, you may not want your 22-year-old college student to obtain control of all of your assets immediately upon your death. One type of trust can provide for the needs of your adult child over a period of time, in increments you specify, with a trustee who will manage and distribute the money on your behalf. A trust may even provide rewards for the achievement of milestones (such as college graduation), allowing you to provide some guidance and incentive to your children even after death.
While most people believe this type of preparation is important, they procrastinate in actually getting it done. If you want to be proactive and start the process of reviewing your needs, please contact us at 770.931.1414 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation or for assistance drafting these important documents visit an attorney specializing in estate planning. We believe estate planning is an important part of an effective retirement plan. Listen to “Your Green” Saturdays 10-11AM on WNIV 970 AM or live at www.wniv.com, and visit our website at www.rogersgreen.com for more information.
Roger S. Green is a Registered Representative providing securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC member FINRA/SIPC. His office is located at 3700 Crestwood Parkway, Suite 140, Duluth, GA 30096.
