Putting together a clear estate plan is one of the best things you can do to protect your family and your wishes. While most people know about wills and trusts, there are other documents that add strong support to your plan. Our dedicated Chesterfield, MO estate planning lawyer can help you understand which documents are most necessary and helpful for your specific situation.
We have been assisting clients in Missouri for over a decade, and our attorneys have been named Top 10 Missouri Estate Planning Attorneys with Attorney and Practice Magazine. When it comes to protecting your future, our firm is the right choice. Contact Legacy Law Center today.
Advance Healthcare Directive
This document lets you spell out what kind of medical care you want if you can’t speak for yourself. It can cover things like life support, pain management, and organ donation. Having an advance healthcare directive means your family won’t have to guess about your wishes during a medical crisis.
Durable Power Of Attorney
A durable power of attorney lets you name someone you trust to handle your finances if you become unable to do so. This person can pay bills, manage property, and handle banking on your behalf. Without this, your family may have to go through court to get permission to make financial decisions for you. Having a power of attorney in place makes the process easier for your loved ones.
HIPAA Authorization
A HIPAA release form gives your chosen loved ones permission to talk with doctors and access medical records. This can help your healthcare agent or family members stay informed and make decisions that match your preferences.
Living Trust
While a will is important, a living trust adds another layer of protection and flexibility. A trust can help your heirs avoid probate court, keep your affairs private, and make it easier to pass on property to your beneficiaries. You stay in control of the trust while you’re alive and choose who manages it after you pass.
Beneficiary Designations
Some assets pass directly to beneficiaries without going through your will. Retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death accounts need up-to-date beneficiary forms. We help review these designations so they match the rest of your plan.
Guardianship Designation
If you have young children, a guardianship designation lets you name who should care for them if something happens to you. Without this, the court decides who will raise your children, which might not match what you would want. While this may be a difficult topic to think about, it is an incredibly important decision that is crucial for your child’s well-being if the unthinkable happens.
Letter Of Intent
A letter of intent isn’t legally binding, but it’s helpful guidance for your family. You can use it to share funeral wishes, explain how you’d like personal items divided, or give special instructions about caring for a family member or pet.
Digital Asset Inventory
In the modern, technological age, more people are adding a list of digital assets to their estate plan. This includes online accounts, passwords, and instructions for social media or cloud storage. It helps your executor or family access what they need without extra stress.
Contact Our Chesterfield Estate Planning Lawyer Today
Including these documents can make your plan stronger and clearer for the people you care about. We take time to help you choose the right tools for your situation. If you want to talk with our experienced estate planning lawyer about building a solid plan for your future, contact our team at Legacy Law Center today.
