Estate Planning

Are you certain that when you are called home that your hard earned assets will be passed on to your loved ones?

Our firm is knowledgeable in basic and complex Estate Planning strategies; with a goal of allowing you to transfer your estate efficiently and cost effectively. For larger estates we offer asset protection and charitable giving strategies.

What We Can Do For You

• Revocable Living Trust education: We can help you understand how a Revocable Living Trust (RLT) works. The RLT is a legal document that looks a lot like a will.  In fact, it does what most people think a will does--and much more.  Because there is no probate with an RLT, all expensive court proceedings and delays are eliminated, your privacy is preserved and the emotional stress on your family is minimized.  It can also reduce/eliminate estate taxes, is extremely hard to contest, and can even serve as an effective pre-nuptial agreement.
   
• Will education: This document, when used in conjunction with your living trust, is a “Pour-over Will” that transfers your unfunded property into your trust at death and after probate. 
   
• Creating Powers of Attorney (POA): Whether it’s to manage specific assets, such as investments, accounts, and real estate holdings, or to help others make health care decisions if you are ill or incapacitated, you need a POA in place to ensure your wishes are followed. A well-crafted POA will also smoothen how decisions about your final arrangements, and those related to your estate, are taken care of once you pass.
   
• Choosing successor trustees and executors: The people you name to handle your estate wield strong powers that determine how your estate is handled upon your passing. We’ll help you understand the importance of choosing the people to handle your estate, and what criteria you should consider when appointing someone to discharge this all-important role – especially if minor children/guardians are involved.
   
• Designating beneficiaries: If you don’t choose beneficiaries for your assets carefully, your estate assets might end up in the hands of individuals that you never intended should benefit from them. A well-thought-out estate plan ensures the needs of your dependents are taken care of.
   
• Minimizing estate taxes and probate fees: Taxes, fees, and other levies have the potential to erode a large part of your estate before your beneficiaries see a cent. Careful planning can reduce the impact taxes and fees may have.
   
• Estate protection: Even after you pass, many of your assets – such as long-term investments and property – will likely need protection and management until they are disposed of, and their proceeds are distributed to your beneficiaries. In the absence of an estate plan, your assets will likely not receive the type and level of protection those assets require.
   
• Distribute your legacy: Our professionals can support you in synchronizing your estate plans and your trust, so your assets are distributed in line with your final wishes which may include charitable bequests.

^{Fountain Financial Group utilize ITS (www.integratedtrustsystems.com) for estate planning purposes. Fountain Financial Group is not a law firm nor does it practice law.}