The Survivor Guide section presents only basic information to get you started
on planning your estate. Other topics to consider are: how to calculate the value of your estate, establishing a trust, gifting,
guardianship when a minor child is beneficiary, long-term care insurance, geriatric care management and legal ways to transfer
property. This is not an all-inclusive list. Choosing the best estate plan for you depends upon your personal circumstances.
Please seek professional advice because it is your will, and your legacy of love, for all those left to grieve for you.
Refer to the first page of this section, Survivor's Guide, for thoughts on do-it-yourself wills. If you decide to go this route, be certain that the document is specific to your state
of residence or it may not be a legal will.
References:
The content of the Survivor's
Guide is based on my own encounter with wills and probate, and good old Internet research. I tried to be as accurate
as possible but tax laws are always in flux. It is wise to verify that your facts are current before making any financial
or legal decisions.
Refer to the links below for detailed information on managing money after the death of a loved one, especially the difficult, but immediate,
tasks that require certified copies of the death certificate.
Learn more about will and
living trusts at: legalzoom.com
Find an estate lawyer in your area: legalmatch.com
From estate planning attorney W. L. Taylor: Eight Important Steps When a Loved One Dies
More helpful topics from estate lawyer W. L. Taylor: www.wilfordtaylor.com/articles.htm
Estate planning online (wills/powers of attorney): legacywriter.com
From KidSource.com: Estate planning/trusts with your special needs child in mind
NAMI.org: Estate planning guidance system when your loved one has a disabling mental illness
Don't forget your pets:
Estate provisions for pets: veterinarypartners.com
Estate planning for pet owners: professorbeyer.com
