ESTATE PLANNING DEFICIENCIES CHECK-UP

Do you have a Will or a Trust in place?

Without proactive planning, California laws will determine how your assets pass, to whom they pass, and when they pass. This can lead to undesired results, and is perhaps the most costly way to pass assets to loved ones.

Has your Will or Trust been reviewed in the last two years?

Even assuming that there have been no family or financial changes since your plan was last reviewed, there have been several major tax law changes. An out-of-date estate plan can be worse than no planning at all.

Does your current Advanced Health Care Directive permit the person of your choosing (spouse, child, family) to make emergency health care decisions for you in the event you are unable to do so?

Are you certain that your current estate plan will minimize possible federal estate taxes at your death, including taxes on your house, life insurance and IRA's?

If you have a Revocable Living Trust in place as part of your estate plan, is your trust fully funded so that your family can avoid the delays and expenses of probate?

Have you taken steps to avoid possible will contests and disputes during the administration of your estate?

Have you recently checked the beneficiary designations of your retirement plans and life insurance policies, and are you confident that you have not listed your estate as a primary or secondary beneficiaries?

Are you satisfied with the persons you named as guardians of your minor children in your current plan?

Are you satisfied with the persons selected as executor and trustee in your current estate plan?

Are you confident that your executor, power of attorney, and successor trustee are prepared to act on your behalf when asked to?