There are many reasons why everyone should consider estate planning. Having a good estate plan in place will make sure your assets are managed and disposed of in the manner that you prefer when you die or become incapacitated. Estate planning also helps defer tax burdens associated with the wealth transfer tax system. It also protects any inheritances that you pass on to your heirs from any creditors to whom they owe money. You do need to have a plan in place because if you die without a will or living trust, the job of managing and disposing of your assets, even the custody of your children, passes into the hands of the courts.
You don’t need to be wealthy to have an estate plan in place. There are several questions that you could ask yourself when you are wondering if this is right for you. These include:
- Does the combined amount of assets you have and the gifts you have given exceed the allowable amount of applicable exemption?
- Does it matter who receives any of your possessions and assets after you die?
- Would you like to maximize the value of your total estate?
- Would you like to minimize the amount of taxes your heirs have to pay on any assets they receive from your estate?
- Does it matter who gets custody or guardianship of your children?
- Do you want your children to receive their inheritance after they reach a certain age?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you do need to consider estate planning. AEGIS is offering a FREE, no-obligation estate planning consultation to its existing clients and their families. If you are interested, simply e-mail Joel Green at jgreen@aegisps.com.
