“What would happen if your estate had to be settled tomorrow? Would your spouse be able to maintain a satisfactory standard of living? Would an adequate education for your children be assured? Who would receive your property if after your death your spouse remarried—your children, the second spouse, a business partner? Will your plan be followed, or would it be the plan provided by state law? These questions and others can be specifically answered in your estate plan.

People spend a lifetime accumulating an estate but are often ‘too busy’ to spend a few hours planning for its conservation and orderly transfer for maximum satisfaction for them and their families. A few hours of planning now may save your family thousands of dollars in settlement costs, needless delay, and unnecessary family discord.”*

The above quote is a wonderful summary of the importance of getting your wills, powers of attorneys and trusts set up now. When you have your estate plan set up, you can be more confident that things are going to be taken care of if you are not able to take care of things for your family. Although the laws for estate tax change frequently, the focus in doing estate planning is what YOU want to accomplish. You are not limited by law as to how you want your estate to be set up, administered or distributed.
*Quoted excerpt from Ohio State University Extension Bulletin Web Site

Read Rose’s article, Estate Planning for the Blended Family.
Download Rose’s handout,
Advanced Directives and Power of Attorneys.