Estate planning is an opportunity to begin a new life. People rely on each of us to some degree, but you decide how much you assist others when you pass on. Your assets in Pennsylvania get used only as you tell your trustee to use them. There are some taboos about preparing a will, however, so keep reading for complete answers to your questions.
Will I forfeit my assets?
Preparing a will can provide financial resources to prevent you from having to declare bankruptcy in the future. No one can predict future events with complete accuracy. A will includes legal documents that account for all the assets you own now. Stocks and bonds are commonly used to build trust funds that manage future uncertainty for you.
Do I have to share my retirement savings?
Wills that include trusts and other funding provide for your law instead of your retirement money. A trust is even tax-deferred for as long as your beneficiary does not have legal control of it. Life insurance proceeds also fall under the assets you can entrust being given to any beneficiary you named for its release.
Do I need a will?
Estate planning is only effective with a proper will, and you have the freedom to write its specific conditions. A key determination in deciding to write a will is its financial benefit to your future beneficiaries. Some clients, for example, avoid using a will when accounting for a joint-tenancy property. Such properties cannot be instated to others via a will.
Your future begins now
Approaching your will as a financial strategy gives you an advantage. Yes, there are legal reasons to state how you want your assets to be managed. When law comes into the equation, however, their futures must be funded. Writing up a will and testament is a process of strategizing with a legal professional. The biggest misconceptions that clients tend to have come from not asking their attorneys more questions.