If you are a senior, you may be feeling the urgency to get your affairs in order, but you may not have the time or the energy to take big steps. This article will provide a small checklist on ways you can get started that do not require a lot of time or preparation.
- Beneficiaries
One relatively easy first step to take is to get your beneficiaries updated and designated. If you have had these accounts for a long time, you may not have the right people or all the people that you want on these records.
- Checking and savings accounts at each bank
- IRA accounts
- 401K accounts
- Life insurance policies
- Advance Healthcare Directive
You have the right to give instructions about your own healthcare or to name someone else to make healthcare decisions for you. You can also express your wishes regarding donation of organs. The Office of the Attorney General for California has provided a form as a helpful resource to help you. You can find the Advance Healthcare Directive form here: https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/consumers/ProbateCodeAdvancedHealthCareDirectiveForm-fillable.pdf
- Consult with an Attorney
If you are serious about estate planning, an effective step would be to set up an initial consultation with an attorney who has experience in estate planning. You can go in without any preparation and your attorney can guide you in what you need to think about and do. These are some areas of estate planning that may be discussed:
- A Living Trust
- Powers of Attorney for Property and Healthcare
- HIPAA Authorization
- A Living Will/Advance Healthcare Directive
- A Pour-Over Will
- Deeds to Your Properties
- Beneficiary Designations
- Guardian Nominations for Minor Children
Consult with the Law Office of David Knecht
For a consult with a knowledgeable and professional attorney about your questions relating to estate planning, do not hesitate to reach out tot he attorneys at the Law Office of David Knecht. We have extensive experience in estate planning and we will help you understand what needs to be done and how to do it. Contact us at 707-451-4502 for more information.
