Rome, GA Estate Planning Lawyer

The need for an estate plan is not based on the size and value of your property. The purpose of estate planning goes beyond safeguarding assets, though that certainly is part of it. The plan documents your wishes–from medical care to who inherits certain belongings–should you pass on or no longer be able to make these decisions for yourself. We use a variety of estate planning tools to help our clients in Rome, GA, depending on their unique goals and needs.

Most estate plans should include the following:

• Will. In a will, you can outline who gets what after your death. This document can also name who you want as guardians for any minor children. A will can be updated throughout your lifetime.
• Trusts. Trusts pass wealth down from one generation to the next, shelter assets from estate tax, transfer property more easily to heirs, and more. Some trusts are revocable, or changeable, while others are permanent.
• Special Needs Planning. If you have a child or other loved one with special needs, we can help you plan for how they will be cared for when you pass on. Special needs, supplemental, survivor, and legacy trusts can support them.
• Business Succession Planning. We can draft legal documents that specify how your business will continue to operate should you retire, unexpectedly become ill, or pass away.

Other tools that may be appropriate to include are:

• Power of Attorney. When you name a power of attorney, you allow someone to act on your behalf. Depending on your wishes, someone can make financial and/or medical decisions should become incapacitated.
• Advanced Directive. This document establishes your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. You can specify what treatments you do or do not want to prolong your life.
• Long-Term Care Planning. Everyone should prepare for the possibility of long-term care. Long-term care insurance and Medicaid trusts are two options to provide care for you and financial protection for your family.