The 411 on Estate Planning

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Transcript of The 411 on Estate Planning

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

THE 411 ON ESTATE PLANNING

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Any estate planning attorney has his or her share of horror stories from years of working with

clients to create an estate plan.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Whether its issues regarding ownership of property or family disputes of a loved one's estate.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Or, if they do create a plan, they don't consider all of the potential

issues that may arise. The reality is, even the most basic estate plan can

go a long way toward avoiding family conflict.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

AN IMPORTANT TIP ABOUT YOUR LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Regardless of how many assets you have, you should obtain an estate planning attorney to draft an

appropriate will to ensure that your family, and the court, have a clear roadmap for how you want your

estate handled.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Always REMEMBER that the value of an asset is not always seen in

terms of money. Some property will have more of a sentimental value.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Discuss the value of certain assets with your family ahead of time to

avoid problems in the future if you leave that property to the "wrong"

person.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION WHEN DRAFTING A WILL

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Never rely solely on your expectation that your children will be able to decide who gets

what.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

In many cases, money and property can divide a family quicker than

anything else.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

You should not assume that your family will simply accept every

provision you include in your WILL. Do your best to discuss potential areas of conflict with them while

you are still able to do so.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Don't forget to review you will every few years, or whenever there is a

major change in your life circumstances, such as the addition of new family members, divorce, or changes in you financial situation.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

SELECTING A TRUSTEE FOR YOUR TRUST

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

First, discuss your options to create a trust with an estate planning attorney.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Choose an appropriate trustee to manage your trust, someone who

will make an appropriate fiduciary. That means some who can be

trusted.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

GET PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IN DRAFTING YOUR TRUST

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Trusts are usually complicated estate planning instruments which, if not handle

properly, may not be valid.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

The best thing to do is seek the assistance of an estate planning

attorney who will understand the tax consequences and benefits of

the various types of trusts.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Also, do not forget to name a successor trustee along with your primary trustee. There are various reasons your chosen trustee may

not be able to serve in that capacity in the future.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

CHOOSE YOUR AGENT WISELY

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Understand THAT a durable power of attorney can benefit anyone, regardless of

your socioeconomic status.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

The possibility of incapacity is always there. Just in case, you need to choose a trusted friend, associate, or family member to have power of

attorney over your affairs in case you become incapacitated.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

This is a tremendously powerful appointment, as the person you

choose will have the ability to make most of the financial decisions that you would normally make, so trust

is of the utmost importance.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Also, do not neglect the need to address your medical care, as well as your financial

affairs.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

A health care power of attorney, just like a financial power of attorney, gives your agent the authority to

make health care decisions on your behalf.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

AVOID THIS MISTAKE WITH DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Do not assume that your spouse will simply take over and handle things for you if you

become incapacitated.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

It is possible that your spouse won't be available. For instance, if you are both injured in a car accident

and both are incapacitated then you will need someone to handle your

affairs.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

If at all possible, your financial power of attorney and your

healthcare power of attorney should not be the same person. That way,

no one person will have nearly complete control over your future.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

THE BENEFITS OF AN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

When it comes to planning for your future and your family's future, the advice of an estate

planning attorney can be irreplaceable.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Estate planning attorneys can provide you with the guidance you need to make all of the important

choices that are necessary.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

Your attorney can describe all of your options and help you decide

what tools are best for accomplishing your goals.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

CONTACT US!

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

If you have questions regarding your estate plan, or any other estate planning needs, please contact The

Vermillion Law Firm, LLC for a consultation either online or by calling us toll free at (888) 567-

5745.

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

LEARN MORE ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING IN TEXAS

7616 LBJ Freeway #120, Dallas, TX 75251Phone: (972) 386-4560

(972)386-4560 www.VermillionLawFirm.com

The Vermillion Law Firm, LLC