Wills
Your will is one of the most important documents to cover first when beginning your estate planning process. Your will allows you to plan and outline what will happen with your assets once you are no longer on this earth. Within the details of your will, you will appoint an executor who will be in charge of ensuring your assets are distributed according to your will. You will also establish beneficiaries who will receive said assets. It is important to have this in place to avoid your family from seeing legal issues down the road if you pass away without a will.
Trusts
Drafting a trust will allow your beneficiaries to maximize their inheritance’s ability to move through the probate process as quickly as possible.
Powers of Attorney
You will appoint a trusted individual to make key life decisions on your behalf should you ever become incapacitated when creating a power of attorney. Two examples of a power of attorney include a financial power of attorney and a healthcare power of attorney. A financial power of attorney will make critical financial decisions on your behalf, should you become unable to do so on your own. A healthcare power of attorney will allow a trusted individual to make critical medical decisions on your behalf, you should become unable to in the future.
Guardianships
If you have minor children, it is recommended that you create guardianships that will appoint someone you trust to raise your children, should you and your spouse become unable to. The court will have the power to decide who raises your children if you do not appoint a guardian.
If you require assistance drafting any of these estate planning documents, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced estate planning attorney who will walk you through each step on your checklist.
Contact Our Firm
Herting Law, PLLC, is an Iowa-based law firm designed to help with all of your legal needs. If you need a Des Moines criminal defense lawyer, our firm has significant experience in all criminal matters, including OWIs, drug charges, gun crimes, theft, assault, and more. If you need an estate planning lawyer, our firm can guide you through it all, including drafting wills, trusts, and the administration of your estate. Whatever the situation, Herting Law, PLLC has you covered.