Monday, September 30, 2013

Secrets About Effective Estate Planning Strategies

By Paulette Short


In California estate planning cannot be a single decision task but involves several considerations. It does not only technically involve matters upon death but about the overall management of the financial shape of the family. Learn how to do this effectively by reading on.

The first thing that must be determined is the individual assets that must be distributed and this matter should not be taken for granted. You will never know if the members of the family will be able to work things harmoniously. Have a discussion with the individuals involved especially if you are going to leave something with sentimental value.

If you have retirement plans or life insurance policies, review them ahead because you might decide to update the designated beneficiaries. These are contracts that grant to beneficiaries the properties stated therein which is independent on what is stated on your will. Updating this after a major event is a must so that the rightful persons will be the ones who will receive the benefits.

The properties of a person who will not leave a will shall be dealt with by certain laws in order to effectuate a distribution among his compulsory heirs. Giving who are not among those heirs will require the execution of a will. Making a will is not that simple because you have to consider certain rules which the financial institution which holds your properties know.

Look for the right executor who will take the responsibility of the payment of debts as well as distribution of assets basing on your will. Some people trust their spouses or their oldest child to do the task. However, there are also professional executors like certified public accountants who have the experience in administering and have impartiality.

Allocating specific money or property for a certain expense is another step that must be done and this also includes the decision to make a trust for the person you want to be benefited. Decisions like this must be personally made like the money you will earmark for the college degree for your child. Trustees are better at ensuring the the amount entrusted would be used for the particular expense intended.

Having important documents at hand like those certificates attesting for the assets you have as well as other personal ones like birth certificates will have to be placed where they will be safe. Be sure to tell another trusted person or part of the family who can find them in case emergency arises. Also provide your accountant or lawyer with these important papers.

Minimizing taxes should also be considered so that your loved ones will not be burdened later on and this is possible by using tax efficient strategies. For example, life insurances are tax free assets which you may grant to a member of your family and there are also savings like time deposits which can have lesser assessment rates.

In California estate planning includes making a living will which also determines how you will be taken care of in case you will be incapacitated to determine decisions about your health. By drawing up a power of attorney, you will be able to appoint someone who will be managing your affairs in matters of finance.




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