Building a Firm Foundation
We believe that the art of Estate Planning is first and foremost about building a firm foundation. We are instructed in the scriptures that the man who hears and obeys wise teachings is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock, the rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock. Conversely the man who hears but doesn't obey is like a foolish person who built a house on sand, the rain poured down, the rivers flooded, and the winds blew and beat against that house but the house fell with a crash. The wise man prepared for the inevitable storms of life by building a strong foundation. We all realize that life is but a mist and death will befall us all. We also realize there are other concerns that we face such as taxes, lawsuits, potential disability and possible family disputes that each have the power to rock our foundation. When it comes to estate planning the majority of Americans do not have a plan in place that, upon their death:
protects their heirs or beneficiaries from potential creditors
protects them or their spouse in the event of incapacitation
ensures that asset distribution to their beneficiaries is fair and orderly
protects their children’s inherited assets from divorcing spouses
Many believe that a simple Will is sufficient for estate planning purposes. What many do not realize is that a Will must go through probate and is subject to the purview of the court system –a process that may take from 9 months to 2 years, and in some instances longer. Furthermore, the probate process is normally required in each state in which the individual who died owned assets in his or her individual name, and when multiple states are involved, the probate process becomes even more complicated and expensive. Wills can fall woefully short of estate planning goals. This is like building your house out of straw. A strong and durable foundation for your estate planning needs involves choosing to build your house with a Revocable Living Trust. The RLT, among other things provides a plan in case you become disabled, it provides for the care of your loved ones, provides protection from potential creditors and ensures that your estate is properly distributed and does so by minimizing taxes. The RLT gives you the power to decide:
who will receive your assets upon your death
what they will receive
when they will receive it
how they will receive it
Your Revocable Living Trust allows you to control all of your property while you are alive and well, put into place a vibrant and durable plan should you become disabled and ultimately provide you the best method of giving your estate to who you want, the way you want and when you want.
WATERFORD LAW - HELPING YOU LAY THE RIGHT FOUNDATION