NC: Estate Planning

Estate Planning is the process of making arrangements for yourself and your family should you become incapacitated or when you die.  For many people this can be a difficult discussion, but one that is extremely important and needs to be addressed.  An estate plan should cover not only what happens upon death, but also make provisions for you and your family in the case of a debilitating illness or health care concern. Every person, family and situation is unique, and your estate plan should be customized to ensure that your particular desires and the needs of your loved ones are met.

Typically an estate plan includes several documents: a will or trust, durable power of attorney, health care power of attorney and a declaration of desire for a natural death.

Some questions that you may consider when designing your estate plan include:

• Who will handle my finances if I am in a serious accident or become incapacitated?
• Who will make health care decisions on my behalf if I am unable to make those decisions myself?
• Are there particular health care treatments that I feel strongly about and want to make my opinion known?
• How will my assets be divided upon my death?
• How will my debts get paid upon my death?
• Who will care for my children after my death?
• Who will look after my children’s financial needs after my death?
• What sort of legacy to I want to leave?
• What sort of funeral or burial arrangements would I prefer?
• Do I want to die a natural death or require that my attending physicians do everything in their power to keep me alive?

It is important to speak to an experienced and compassionate attorney who can help you to execute an estate plan that takes into account all of your needs and interests.  Our attorneys will help walk you through the process and customize a comprehensive estate plan that gives you peace of mind.