Wills, Proxies and Settling An Estate



There are several steps you should take before you visit a lawyer to write your will or create an estate plan. Then, when a loved one passes away, there are a lot of details to take care of.

Preparation

We can help you think through your wishes and prepare material to bring with you to the lawyer.

  • What is a health care proxy and durable power of attorney? Who do you want to name for each?
  • What is the role of an executor, and who do you want to act in that role?
  • Do you have specific bequests you would like to make -- whether money or items?
  • Do you have beneficiaries on your retirement accounts?
  • Do you have an inventory of the important information your executor will need to settle your estate

Settling an estate

In addition to the legal side of settling an estate, there can be a lot of practical details that need to be done. We can help you deal with many of the practical details in settling an estate:

  • File for life insurance, social security survivor benefits, pensions, and annuities
  • Make the necessary phone calls to notify Social Security, pension plans and others of your loved one's passing.
  • Inventory assets in the estate and prepare an accounting of revenues and expenses associated with the estate for your lawyer and accountant
  • Help transfer pensions and retirement plans to the proper beneficiaries
  • Inventory outstanding medical bills

PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE NOT LAWYERS
Be sure to review your estate plan with your attorney.