There are a variety of documents that are the foundation of an effective estate plan. An estate plan can be useful and important at any stage of life whether the estate planner is concerned about planning for their children or ensuring their assets are distributed how they wish for them to be distributed.
The important elements of an effective estate plan
Estate planning after a divorce
Divorces later in life are becoming more common. Once the kids are grown, couples are discovering that they have nothing in common and decide to split. These so-called "gray divorces" have tripled in number since 1990. However, this creates a whole new set of considerations, particularly when it comes to retirement planning.
The basics of Medicare coverage
The commercials for financial advising companies make it seem so easy. Put some money away each month and 20 to 30 years later you will be able to everything you wished you were able to do while you spent your professional life making a normal life for your family. But there is more to retirement planning. The money you put away and the lifestyle you subscribe to is not only about preparing a nice cushy life for yourself as you grow old. As a matter of fact, retirement planning should include health care planning.
Guardianship: Providing plenary or limited aid
Your parent is aging quickly, and you worry that they no longer can accurately maintain their finances. Perhaps your parent’s hygiene or health is deteriorating, and you want to ensure that all aspects of their life are appropriately monitored. In a previous post, we discussed when your parent may need the appointing of a guardian. Now, we want to discuss the two variations of guardianship that Massachusetts offers families.
Avoiding probate possible, but not definite, with estate plan
The loss of a loved one who is near and dear to your heart will have lasting effects on your life. However, we all pass on at some point, so it's best to plan for that passing to make it smoother on loved ones and others that will be impacted by the death. When a person looks at their life, they may have amassed many assets or responsibilities along the way. An estate plan can help to distribute those assets in a way that one sees fit.
