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Comprehensive estate planning provides your loved ones with peace of mind, eliminating uncertainty and preventing conflicts after you’re gone. With the help of an attorney, you can leave documents describing what should be done with your assets, who should care for your kids, and even what type of medical care you want if you’ve been incapacitated. While every situation is different, here are a few documents every estate plan should include.

5 Documents You Need in an Estate Plan

1. A Will or Trust

estate planningDeciding who will get your belongings when you pass is the foundation of most estate plans. A simple will should be sufficient for most people, but if you have complex investments or other special circumstances, you might want to ask your attorney about establishing a trust.

2. Durable Power of Attorney

If you’re mentally or physically incapacitated, you might assume your business partner or spouse will have the legal authority to act on your behalf. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, but a power of attorney can give them the control over your financial affairs.

3. Medical Power of Attorney

A medical power of attorney gives someone you trust the ability to make health care decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to communicate your wishes. Depending on your circumstances, you might choose to combine this document with a financial power of attorney or give two separate documents to different people.

4. A Living Will

Living wills, or advance health care directives, give you the ability to make decisions about end-of-life care if you’re badly injured or otherwise unable to discuss options with your doctor. In your living will, you can agree to or reject certain medical procedures or describe what outcomes you’ll accept, eliminating potentially bitter conflicts between family members.

5. Guardian Designations

If you have small children, ensuring they’re taken care of is one of the most important parts of estate planning. Choosing a guardian allows you to nominate someone you trust to raise your children if something happens to you—rather than leaving it to the court.

 

Estate planning can seem overwhelming, but a skilled attorney will guide you through every step to ensure your wishes are respected. From their offices in Wapakoneta, OH, Dennis P. Faller, Attorney at Law, provides the effective legal counsel and individualized attention you need when making these difficult decisions. Visit their website or call (419) 738-4578 today to schedule an initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer, and follow their Facebook page for more advice and legal tips.

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