There are so many factors that compose your estate plan. There’s your will, which contains your last wishes and provisions for passing on assets to your loved ones and beneficiaries. There are trusts, a wide range of estate planning tools that can help someone reduce the taxes their estate owes, thus benefiting their heirs and beneficiaries. There’s your power of attorney; your healthcare directive; your retirement accounts and pensions; the list goes on an on.
Given how much goes into an estate plan, it is no wonder that some people simply gloss over guardianships and conservatorships. These are two important factors that can help the grantor feel secure about his or her future in case of incapacitation.
Conservatorships are very helpful designations that protect someone who becomes incapacitated from their health and financial decisions going unheard or unanswered. The conservator that you designate will be in charge of making health and financial decisions on your behalf, and these conservatorships come in a variety of types.
Guardianships work in a similar fashion to conservatorships, except they apply to children and young people under the age of 18. The guardian is appointed by their parents, and if the parents pass away, the guardian can look after the child or young person and help them with their inheritance.
If you are creating your estate plan or reviewing your estate plan, please consider these two important facets of the process. If you are in need of help during the process, then consult with an experienced attorney at the Flanigan law Group.