In the field of estate planning, there are many different documents that can be utilized. Sometimes people look for simple answers when it comes to priorities, but in reality, there is no one estate planning document that is going to be most important for everyone. It will all depend upon the circumstances, but there is a basic framework.
Asset Transfers
The facilitation of postmortem asset transfers is at the core of the estate planning process. Some type of asset transfer vehicle will certainly be very important, but the correct choice will depend on the situation.
If you have relatively simple and straightforward objectives, you could use a last will as your asset transfer vehicle. However, if you use a will, the probate process would enter the picture.
The will would be admitted to probate, and the heirs would not receive their inheritances until after the estate was probated and closed by the court. This process will take close to a year in most cases, and more complicated cases can take longer. Plus, there are expenses that accumulate during the probate process.
To avoid probate, you could use a revocable living trust as the centerpiece of your estate plan. Assets in this type of trust could be distributed among the beneficiaries free of the probate process.
There are other types of trusts that can satisfy more complicated objectives. For example, high net worth individuals could be exposed to the federal estate tax. There are wealth preservation trusts that can be utilized to gain estate tax efficiency.
Asset protection can be secured through the utilization of an irrevocable asset protection trust, and you could potentially qualify for Medi-Cal to pay for long-term care through the creation of a Medi-Cal trust. This is something that can be relevant to a wide range of people, because most seniors will need long-term care eventually. Medicare does not pay for custodial care, which is the type of care that you would receive in a nursing home or assisted living community.
Incapacity Planning
Incapacity planning documents are also very important if you want to be comprehensively prepared for the eventualities of aging. Many elders become unable to communicate sound decisions at some point in time. You can account for this through the creation of durable powers of attorney. Agents that you choose would be empowered to act on your behalf in the event of your incapacitation.
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