Tag Archives: gifts

Setting Boundaries for Your Bequests

When you create an estate plan, you have the flexibility to decide how and when your assets will be passed to your loved ones. You can also send a message regarding your values and priorities along with your wealth. If this is important to you, let one of our knowledgeable estate planners help you accomplish this goal.

There are numerous ways your estate plan can transfer not only your property, but also provide some instructions or directions to your beneficiaries. For example:

  • If you want to ensure that your beneficiaries do not spend their inheritance too quickly, you can put the money into a trust with instructions on when disbursements should be made (such as when the beneficiary reaches a certain age, graduates from college, etc)
  • If you have a “blended family,” you may leave direction regarding who you specifically consider as family or as your intended beneficiaries
  • Your estate plan can allow you to leave unequal amounts to your loved ones. This is especially important if you have a less privileged and/or disabled child. You may also want to discuss the reasoning behind your decision with your other beneficiaries so there are no hurt feelings.
  • If you have concerns regarding creditors or bitter ex-spouses (yours or those of your beneficiaries) attacking your assets, you can place inheritances into a trust.

Your estate plan can be tailor-made to suit your needs. We have assisted numerous clients (over 2000) with complicated family relationships and complex finances. Whether you want to provide your loved ones with financial guidance from the grave or you want to motivate them to accomplish certain important goals, we can help.

The Astill Law Office has provided high quality legal services for over 30 years. We specialize in wills, trusts, estate planning, and asset protection. If you have any questions about creating a Trust, Will, or estate planning in general, contact The Astill Law Office at 801-438-8698.

Is Your Estate Plan Complete?

If you have an estate plan, you may be wondering if it is complete and comprehensive. This is especially true if your plan was created several years ago and your life circumstances have changed. Below is a checklist of questions you should consider regarding your current estate plan:

  • Do you have a Will and/or Trust, Healthcare Proxy and Power of Attorney?
  • Are the individuals or entities named as your executor, successor trustee, power of attorney or healthcare agent still the persons you want to serve in these roles?
  • Have you relocated since your estate planning documents were drafted? If so, do your documents still comply with the applicable law where you live?
  • Are you transferring any personal property to a person under the age of 18 years?
  • Are the beneficiaries you are giving your assets to capable of properly handling the bequests or new wealth?
  • Are there any specific gifts to certain individuals that you want to make?
  • Are any of your assets held in joint accounts or where you have a designated beneficiary? If so, do your estate planning documents match your designations?
  • Is your property being distributed to your beneficiaries outright or in trust?
  • Do any of your beneficiaries have special needs that should be considered?
  • Will your estate plan provide you with tax advantages?
  • Have you notified your loved ones of where your estate planning documents are located?
  • Have you left information regarding how to access your digital assets?

The above list is not exhaustive, but it provides you with a good start in determining where your estate plan stands. If you need assistance understanding the consequences of your plan as it is currently drafted or whether it should be updated, we can help. If you are like most people (and most of our clients), you understood your documents when they were signed, but they can be complex and you may not be clear now. A review with a good estate planning attorney can give you great peace of mind, or help you spot changes you may want to consider.

The Astill Law Office has provided high quality legal services for over 30 years. We specialize in wills, trusts, estate planning, and asset protection. If you have any questions about creating a Trust, Will, or estate planning in general, contact The Astill Law Office at 801-438-8698.