Legal Questions: How Do I Prepare My Estate Plan?

An estate plan is a plan that is made in advance of naming whom you want to receive your belongings after you die. This document can help ease the stress on your family and also provide greater assurance that your assets will not go to someone you do not wish to have them. Because there are many ins and outs to constructing this type of document, you can hire a legal professional at the Lake of the Ozarks to help you solidify your estate plan and be sure that your assets are squared away properly. Here are a few things you will need to prepare your estate plan.

Financial Statements

Gather the financial statements from your investments and bank accounts to your meeting when planning your estate. These documents will help show where your financial assets are located. You can also start thinking about who you intend to take over ownership of these financial accounts in the time leading up to your meeting.

List of Assets & Liabilities

Similar to your financial statements, assets and liability information should be brought to the meeting as well. The list will be helpful when dividing up assets and liabilities to pass on to the person of your choosing.

Life Insurance Policies

Any life insurance information is helpful as you are planning your estate. Bring your policies along with you so that we can accurately assign someone to take ownership.

Who Your Intend to Leave the Estate With

As you decide who to leave your estate with, gather their updated address and other contact information. This can make the transfer of your assets much easier after you pass. The exact name and address of the individuals or institutions that you plan to name in your will are necessary.

Guardianship Information

If you have children who are under the age of 18, it is important to have specific individuals named to take over the guardianship of your children. You may also want to have an alternative guardian in mind as well. When children are involved, it’s best to have someone named as the guardian to avoid a child going into government care.

Inheritance Disbursement

If you will be naming beneficiaries who are minors or young adults, it is helpful to line out the distribution of the trust. This can help reduce the chance of a younger heir getting carried away with an excess of money or assets. You can set up your estate to pay out in smaller amounts over time, instead of a large lump sum, or you can put off the disbursement until your child is an age of your choosing.

Creating an Estate Plan at the Lake of the Ozarks

No matter what your age, station in life, or financial situation, having a will and estate plan is important. This document will help to show exactly who you intend to take over ownership of each of your assets. This can also be a nice gesture towards your friends and family to have this documentation in place before you have passed on. At Gibbons Law Firm, we can help you handle all of your needs for an estate plan. You can contact our law office at the Lake of the Ozarks to schedule your free consultation today!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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