What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is more than just determining who gets your wealth when you pass away, it also includes deciding who will make financial and medical decisions for you when you are unable to take care of yourself. My late grandmother made end of life care decisions and administering her estate easier by having key documents in place. Some common estate planning documents include:
- Will
A will allows you to determine where many of your assets go after you pass away. You can use a will to create trusts for minor children and to nominate a guardian or guardians to take care of your minor children. A will also lets you name an executor or executors to administer your estate. - General Power of Attorney
A General Power of Attorney allows others to manage your property and personal affairs on your behalf. If you make a General Power of Attorney durable or have it spring into effect if you become mentally incompetent, then the power of attorney will be effective even if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. - Health Care Power of Attorney
A Health Power of Attorney appoints someone to implement your wishes regarding medical decisions when you are unable to make those decisions yourself. - Advance Directive for a Natural Death/Living Will
An Advance Directive for a Natural Death or “Living Will” tells medical professionals when to stop life-saving treatments when you are unable to make those decisions yourself.
How I Can Help
I can help you draft estate planning documents and provide estate planning advice. I charge a flat fee for most estate planning services. I discuss the cost of estate planning services at the free initial consultation.
To set up an initial consultation, please call me at 252-497-2408 between 9-4, Monday through Friday or send me an email at info@jonrountreelaw.com any time. Consultations can be scheduled for daytime or evening, Monday through Saturday based on my availability.
The information on this website is intended for general informational and educational use only and does not constitute legal advice nor is it tailored to your specific situation. The use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney Jon Rountree is only licensed to practice in North Carolina.