Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate Planning is not just for the wealthy. In fact, nearly everyone has an estate – even you. Your estate includes everything you own, such as:

your car
your home
other real estate
checking and savings accounts
life insurance
investments
furniture
personal possessions

No matter the size of your estate, everyone has one – and you can not take it with you when you pass away. When that finally occurs, how will you want your estate handled? Who do you want your assets to go to? What do you want your legacy to be? How will you help your family? How should your estate taxes be settled?

Estate Planning is simply the process of answering those questions, planning for the future, and making sure your wishes are carried out after your death or if you become incapacitated.

Most Estate Plans are set up with the help of an attorney experienced in estate law. Estate Planning is an ongoing process and should be started upon reaching age 18. It is always best to start Estate Planning at a young age. It should not wait until one has any measurable asset base. However, that does not mean it is too late for you to start now. Anytime is a good time to start the Estate Planning process.

As life progresses and goals shift, the Estate Plan should move to be in line with new goals. Lack of adequate Estate Planning can cause undue financial burdens to loved ones, so at the very least, a Will should be set up even if the estate is not large.

The Serafini Smith Law Firm is highly experienced in estate law and can guide you through every step of the process, making it efficient and stress-free. Simply call the Serafini Smith Law Firm at 281-644-0438 to schedule a free consultation.

Major Estate Planning Tasks Include

Creating a Last Will & Testament

Creating Trusts

Creating a Codicil for minor Will changes

Appointing a Guardian if the Need Arises

Appointing a Guardianship for Minor Children

Establishing an Advance Directive (aka Living Will) which advises your family and doctors what you want if you are in a terminal or irreversible condition

Creating/Updating Beneficiaries on Plans such as Life Insurance, IRAs, and 401(k)s

Setting up Durable Power of Attorney (POA), appointing an agent to direct other assets and investments and handle your affairs

Setting up Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA), appointing an agent to make medical decisions for you in the event you are unable

Appointing an Agent to Dispose of Your Remains after you pass, which allows you to declare what you want done with your remains

HIPAA Release which allows you to name persons authorized to speak to your doctors

Why Choose The Serafini Smith Law Firm?

A Ease Your Mind

With The Serafini Smith Law Firm at your side, Estate Planning is easy and stress-free. You will not have to worry about common pitfalls that commonly occur during Estate Planning. Beth will guide you through every step of the process, from beginning to end.

B Save You Time

Estate Planning can be challenging and complicated, especially for people who have not had any experience with it in the past. Attorney Beth Serafini-Smith can save you from the stress and time of digging through and trying to understand all the information yourself. Ask as many questions as you like!

C Save You Money

By hiring an experienced Estate Planning Attorney, you can stop worrying about costs associated with your Estate Plan. Attorney Beth Serafini Smith can help you minimize any estate taxes and lower any costs associated with a probate process, ensuring an affordable, pleasant, and expedient estate planning experience.

D Protect Your Assets and Your Loved Ones

It is always smart to plan ahead rather than wait until disaster strikes. If something does happen, you and your family will feel comforted knowing that plans are in place to properly take care of everyone and the assets in your estate. In the end, an adequate Estate Plan protects your family, loved ones, and possessions.

Estate Planning Includes

Drafting a Will

Your Last Will & Testament details your wishes for after your death and establishes how to distribute your assets and to whom.

Make a Statutory Durable Financial Power of Attorney

Give a trusted person – called an agent or attorney-in-fact – authority to handle your assets and property if you become unable to do so yourself. Please note that in order for the power of attorney to remain in effect if you are incapacitated, the document must explicitly state that it is a “durable” financial power of attorney.