Estate planning is not just for the wealthy–or the old. Nearly everyone has an “estate,” comprised of everything you own: your car, home, other real estate, checking and savings accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture and personal possessions. Regardless of the size of your “estate,” good planning lets you control how your assets are given to the people or organizations you care most about; sets up your heirs for success by passing on their inheritance in a way that helps them; helps you and your heirs pay substantially less in taxes, fees and court costs; minimizes family strife; and makes it easier for your loved ones to handle your affairs during a time of loss. With both humor and knowledge, a local attorney and estate planning specialist will address the following in this two-part series:

Part 1: Estate Planning Essentials. We will address the probate process and how to avoid it, what to consider when selecting a guardian, and how trusts are used to protect assets, support beneficiaries, and minimize taxes. Learn how to plan for incapacity, including the use of powers of attorney, health care proxies and advance directives.

Part 2: Estate Planning - Advanced Concepts This class is for those who have already taken Estate Planning Essentials. We will dive deeper into end-of-life planning. We’ll cover how to structure trusts for children and heirs to support them on their life journeys, while still encouraging their personal growth and achievement. We’ll then discuss additional tax planning techniques to minimize estate and capital gains taxes as well as charitable giving tools that can build family unity and shared purpose. If time allows we’ll summarize key issues to consider for long-term care planning.