Estate planning does not have to be a long, complicated process. Before you meet with a Houston Trust and Estates attorney there are certain documents you may want to bring with you.
Having these documents with you at your initial meeting can greatly simplify the process.
Create a List of Assets and Liabilities
First, you will want to create a list of all your assets and liabilities. Everyone will need to do this at some point during the estate planning process and the sooner you get this completed, the sooner your estate plan will be finalized. If there is something you forget it to list, it is not the end of the world and your Houston estate lawyer will recognize the error.
Here are some common assets and liabilities you will want to include:
Any bank accounts. Having recent statements is a great way to go.
Investment accounts
Stocks and bonds
Life insurance and Annuity policies
Deeds for properties you own
Retirement plans
Business partnerships or LLC interests
Money owed to you
Personal effects
Loans and credit
Determine Who Will Inherit Your Estate
You will also want to determine who will inherit your estate. A Houston Trust and Estates attorney can help you narrow down candidates, but at the end of the day those decisions will be made by you. If there are certain items or properties that you want a specific person to receive, let your estate lawyer know. Also, if you have someone in mind to act as the executor, guardian for minor children, or medical power of attorney, let your Houston estate lawyer know so they can begin creating those legal documents.
By doing these things in advance, you will have a great head start. The result is a more streamlined process and a stronger sense of control over the planning of your estate. Both you and your lawyer will benefit from from clear, concise communication. To set up your consultation today please call the Your Legacy Legal Care at (281) 885-8826.
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