A properly crafted estate plan creates a master plan for handling your property during life and distributing that property at death.
Common estate planning issues addressed in the wealth management process include:
- Wealth transfer planning involves the smooth transition and distribution of wealth according to your wishes. With proper estate planning, you decide to whom, how and when your assets will be distributed, as well as who will manage your estate or business. Special issues that may be included are:
- Providing financial security for others. Do you want to leave assets outright or in a trust?
- Planning for children from a previous marriage or those with special needs.
- Equalizing inheritances fairly. We recognize that different family members may have different needs. Being fair versus equal may require special planning depending on your assets,
- Retiring from your business
This type of planning also involves managing assets during disability or incapacity and may include establishing trusts for you and your family. No matter what circumstances you may face, we can guide you through the process.
- Minimizing potential taxes without interfering with your other financial goals. If you give away wealth, during life or at death, you may incur federal—and possibly state—taxes. You can help protect the assets you transfer from excessive depletion by understanding these taxes and the various strategies you can use to minimize them. Gifting assets before or after death may have important federal and state tax implications. Understanding and employing smart investment strategies will help you minimize the overall tax burden while maximizing your gifts.
- Asset protection plans identify your potential exposure to risk and employ preventative tools and strategies to reduce that risk. If you own substantial assets, creditors come in many forms and protection from these creditors can be a concern. Asset protection planning deals with ownership issues, liability insurance, statutory protections, special needs trusts, offshore and domestic trusts, prenuptial agreements, divorce and business dissolutions.
- Charitable giving may be motivated by both personal and tax incentives. Congress encourages charitable giving through tax legislation that can minimize your income and estate taxes. Charitable planning involves selecting the gifted property and charitable structure that will best meet your needs.
Our process does not end with estate planning but instead coordinates your estate plan with your overall plans for your business, investments, insurance and employee benefits.
This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Investors should consult with a tax or legal professional regarding their individual situations.
Investments are not FDIC-insured, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested.