Estate Planning Columbus Ohio

Are you looking for Estate Planning Columbus Ohio? We will provide the financial administration and advice on when and how your legacy is to be passed down. You will obtain the necessary legal documents required to ensure your wishes are carried out. Together we will establish an estate plan that is designed to disperse your assets as you wish.

Life insurance
Trusts
Estate taxes
Gifting
Beneficiary assistance
Legal counsel referrals

Taking time to create estate strategies not only helps you put your financial house in order, but may also save you money. By documenting your wishes and goals, you create a legal framework that the courts, your executor, and your loved ones can follow when settling your estate. Without these strategies in place, your family risks going through a lengthy and expensive process — which could alter any wishes you had for your legacy.1 You can help make sure that your executor respects and upholds your values, goals, and desires for your estate by taking some time to thoughtfully prepare, today. Here, we outline some of the critical details that can play a role in creating your own estate strategies.

"Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now." - Alan Lakein

Estate Planning Columbus Ohio Checklist

This checklist and questionaire will help with your estate planning in Columbus, Ohio. If you are interested in consultation about estate planning, then give us a call today!

Do you have a will?

A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children.

Do you have healthcare documents in place?

Healthcare documents spell out your wishes for health care if you become unable to make medical decisions for yourself. They also authorize a person to make decisions on your behalf if that should prove necessary. These documents may include a living will, a power of attorney agreement, and a durable power of attorney agreement for healthcare.

Do you have financial documents in place?

Certain financial documents can outline your financial wishes. If you become unable to make decisions for yourself, these financial documents can be structured to empower a person to make decisions on your behalf. These documents may include joint ownership, durable power of attorney, and living trusts.

Have you filed beneficiary forms?

In some cases, naming a beneficiary for bank accounts and retirement plans makes these accounts “payable on death” to your beneficiaries. In other cases, you will need to fill out a “Payable on Death” form.

Do you have the right amount and type of life insurance?

When was the last time you assessed your life insurance coverage? Have you compared the life insurance benefit with your financial obligations? Keep in mind that several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

Have you taken steps to manage your federal estate tax?

If you and your spouse have more than $22.8 million in assets (for 2019), you may want to consider taking steps to manage federal estate taxes, which will be due at the second spouse’s death.

Have you taken steps to protect your business?

Do you have a succession plan? If you own a business with others, you may also want to consider a buyout agreement.

Have you created a letter of instruction?

A letter of instruction is a non-legal document that outlines your wishes. A strong, well-written letter may save your heirs time, effort, and expense as they administer your estate.

Will your heirs be able to locate your critical documents?

Your heirs may need access to the specific documents you have created to manage your estate. These documents may include:

Your will
Trust documents
Life insurance policies
Deeds to any real estate, and certificates for stocks, bonds, annuities
Information on your financial accounts and safe deposit boxes
Information on your retirement plans
Information on any debts you have: credit cards, mortgages and loans.

Have a Question?

Name

Email

Address

Phone

Question

Thank you!

Oops!