When developing an estate plan it is important that you evaluate your situation and form a plan to fit your needs. Here are some, but not all, of the issues to consider when setting up an estate plan and to discuss with your estate planning team.

Account registration

Are your accounts registered properly with the correct persons on the account? If you have a living trust, have your accounts been registered in the name of the trust?

Beneficiary designation

Are the beneficiaries named on your accounts still the correct beneficiaries? Are these beneficiary designations consistent with your overall estate plan?

Health care directive/Living will

Do you have specific wishes regarding the administering of life-prolonging procedures? This document can convey your wishes when you are no longer able to communicate them.

Durable Power of Attorney (financial and health care)

Have you named someone to make financial and health care decisions on your behalf, should you become incapacitated? A Durable Power of Attorney is an important document that allows you to name this individual.

Will

Do you have a last will and testament to insure that your assets transfer in the manner that you would prefer them to transfer?

Trust

Are you concerned about estate taxes, avoiding probate, controlling the transfer of assets to heirs, leaving assets to spendthrift children, protecting assets during incapacitation or eventually needing assistance with money management and paying bills? If so, consider setting up a trust.

How we can help

Ask your Edward Jones advisor if trust services may be an appropriate part of your estate strategy.