October 31, 2016

There are always a handful of documents you should include in your estate plan to accomplish the most effective goals for you. This is true whether you have a complicated estate with a lot of assets or whether you need some simple tools to accomplish your basic goals. Remember that estate planning is about more than figuring what will happen to your property after you pass away. You also need a clear plan to protect yourself while you’re still alive, including documents that enable others to make decisions on your behalf if something happens to you. 

Some of the most important documents you should have in your arsenal include:

• Durable power of attorney
• Basic will
• Advanced medical directives
• Letter of instruction
• Living trust

Before you start looking online for a template, however, be aware that these generic forms often fail to capture the unique aspects of your life and may not even be legally valid for your state. Finding a lawyer and scheduling an initial consultation is strongly recommended in the event that you need insight from an experienced attorney. This gives you more peace of mind that your documents are accurate and in line with your life and needs.