Estate Planning in South Carolina that Plans for Everything
Contrary to what some might think, an estate plan is important regardless of whether your assets are large or small. Legally speaking, an estate includes everything you own. You may choose to distribute those assets however you wish if you have a solid estate plan, which is why you should hire an attorney with expertise in handling end-of-life matters.
Whether your assets are extensive or modest, an estate plan consists of more than giving your family gifts. Rather, estate planning is providing your family with peace of mind by resolving difficult financial and healthcare decisions. Legally speaking, an estate includes everything you own. You may choose to distribute your assets however you wish. However, estate planning involves more than just drafting a will. Estate planning includes but is not limited to:
- Wills and trusts;
- Living wills;
- Advanced health care directives;
- Powers of attorney; and
- Ways to avoid probate.
Advanced Health Care Directives
How would you feel if you had a traumatic accident or medical emergency that doctors say will leave you with a quality of life that is unacceptable to you, but you cannot communicate those wishes to your loved ones? In the case of a medical emergency, an estate plan can include directives that dictate what types of life-saving measures may be performed if you cannot speak for yourself, and who will make those decisions. During unexpected and prolonged medical treatment, how will your quality of life be determined, and by whom? How will members of your family resolve these issues among themselves, and should they bear that burden? Those questions will be answered in a detailed estate planning consultation.
Tax Considerations
A thoroughly crafted estate plan is essential to ensure the appropriate division of your assets to avoid unnecessary taxation and potential family disputes following your passing.
Guardianship of Minor Children
If you have minor children, who will take care of them once you are gone? Including directions about who will receive guardianship of your young children is also part of a complete estate plan.
Harry Allen’s expertise in estate planning takes all your needs and goals into consideration when developing a comprehensive estate plan. Call Battle & Allen today for answers on how you can retain the freedom and control you desire when considering advanced health care directives, living wills, wills and trusts, and powers of attorney.