ESTATE PLANNING
What is Estate Planning?
Generally, estate planning is planning for how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. Incapacity planning – planning who would have authority for you in the event that you are not deceased but incapacitated – is also grouped under estate planning.
Our Process:
Our goal is to make the estate planning process as simple and easy for you as possible. To begin the process, visit our Contact Us page to call or email our firm. An assistant will ask for some basic information from you about what services you need, and then they will schedule a free initial consultation with Mr. Kocian either in person, on the phone, or via Zoom video call. Between that first phone call and the meeting with Mr. Kocian, we ask that you fill out our Estate Planning Questionnaire to begin thinking about items need to be put in your documents. At the first meeting, Mr. Kocian will use that questionnaire to guide a conversation about what documents you may need or want to handle your estate. After the initial consultation, we will follow up for any additional information that we need and begin working on your documents. As soon as we have all the information we need, an assistant will reach out to schedule an appointment to sign your finalized documents.
Documents We Prepare:
Trusts
Trusts are legal arrangements that allow individuals to transfer their assets to a trustee, who manages and distributes them according to the trust's terms. Trusts provide several benefits, including asset protection, privacy, and flexibility in estate planning. They help ensure that assets are preserved and managed responsibly, often for the benefit of future generations. By establishing trusts, individuals can have peace of mind knowing their assets are safeguarded and their wishes are carried out, making trusts an essential tool in wealth management and estate planning. Ask us about Living, Special Needs and NFA Trusts!
A last will and testament is a vital legal document that allows individuals to leave a clear and legally binding record of their intentions for asset distribution and guardianship of minor children after their death. It ensures control, minimizes disputes, and provides peace of mind.
Last Will & Testament
Financial Power of Attorney
A financial power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone the authority to manage financial and legal matters on behalf of another person. It is important because it allows for the designated person to make financial decisions, handle transactions, and manage assets when the individual is unable to do so themselves due to illness, incapacity, or other circumstances. A financial power of attorney ensures that someone trustworthy can act in their best interests and protect their financial well-being.
Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another person if they become unable to do so themselves. It is important because it ensures that the designated person can make medical choices aligned with the individual's wishes, preferences, and best interests. A medical power of attorney provides peace of mind and ensures that healthcare decisions are made consistently and in accordance with the person's values and beliefs.
Living Wills/ Directives to Physicians
A directive to physicians, also known as a living will, is a legal document that communicates a person's healthcare preferences and instructions for end-of-life medical treatment. It is important because it allows individuals to have a voice in their medical care when they are unable to communicate their wishes. A directive to physicians ensures that healthcare providers understand and respect the person's desires regarding life-sustaining treatments, providing guidance and ensuring their medical decisions align with their values and beliefs.
Healthcare Authorization
A healthcare authorization is a legal document that grants permission for healthcare providers to access and disclose an individual's medical information to designated individuals or organizations. It is important because it enables efficient and effective communication between healthcare providers, caregivers, and family members involved in the person's medical care. A healthcare authorization ensures the appropriate sharing of medical information, promotes coordinated and comprehensive healthcare, and facilitates informed decision-making for the individual's well-being.
Declaration of Guardian
A declaration of guardian is a legal document that designates an individual to assume guardianship of a person in the event that they are deemed incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. It is important because it allows individuals to proactively select someone they trust to act in their best interests and make decisions on their behalf. A declaration of guardian ensures that there is a clear plan in place for the care and protection of an individual who becomes unable to manage their own affairs, providing both peace of mind and a structured framework for decision-making.
Documents for Young Adults
Documents for young adults in estate planning refer to legal documents such as a durable power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and HIPAA authorization. These documents are important because they grant authority to trusted individuals to make financial and medical decisions on behalf of young adults if they become incapacitated. By having these documents in place, young adults ensure their interests are protected and their wishes are honored, even if they are unable to express them. It provides a sense of control and allows for a smoother handling of financial and healthcare matters during unexpected situations.