Thinking About Estate Planning?


Conducting family estate planning can be a difficult and emotional job.  Providing for the disposition of your assets however, is extremely important.  Having a Will that is complete and up to date along with other estate planning documents, will give you and your family peace of mind. 

 Here is a partial list of topics you should consider when preparing to do estate planning:


Designating a Personal Representative or Trustee:

This is the person (or persons) that you designate and trust to manage your affairs and wishes upon your passing.  They will ensure your financial requirements, wishes and desires are adhered to according to your Will or Trust.  Choices often include your spouse or surviving children.  A good strategy is to pick a primary choice and one or two alternates, and to check with them to make sure they are willing to serve.

Powers of Attorney:


There are 3 typical types of documents appointing a power of attorney as part of your estate planning: 

  1. Living Will - this document specifies which medical treatment you desire in case of incapacitation.  This will detail which life prolonging efforts you want and any do not resuscitate (DNR) wishes you have.
  2. Health-care proxy - This selects an individual to make any health-care decisions on your behalf if you are incapable of making these decisions for yourself.
  3. Durable Power of Attorney - This allows your designee to execute legal documents and transactions such as signing checks, banking, dealing with Social Security, paying utilities, etc. in the case of incapacitation. 

List of your financial accounts and other assets:


Be prepared to discuss with your estate planning lawyer all assets that you own so that your estate plan will indicate how they are to be distributed.  Working with an experienced lawyer will make this much easier to do, and your legal advisor can guide you on the proper language and help protect your estate from unnecessary tax burdens.

Burial or Cremation instructions:


A great deal of stress with your surviving family can be avoided if you clearly specify your wishes, whether they involve burial or cremation, and other specifics such as name and address of a church for your memorial service, and your choice of guardian for your minor children.  The more specific you are, the less stress your family will have.



Choose the right lawyer to help you with your estate plan!


Experience matters, and choosing the right legal help at the Lake of the Ozarks will ensure that your wishes are carried out.  The Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, and Welch, P.C. can help you with your family estate planning at the Lake of the Ozarks.  There are many more moving parts to creating an estate plan than we have outlined in this Blog.  Please give us a call or stop into our office if we can answer any of your questions about family estate planning.

 We Are Effective Camden County Lawyers for all of your legal needs.

We Are There When You Need Us.

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Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by publication of this Blog.
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Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
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Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter & Welch, P.C.
85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020   GET A MAP
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Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

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