Frequently Asked Questions

❓How much does an estate plan cost?

💬 Costs can vary depending on your unique circumstances and the complexity of your plan. We offer customized estate planning solutions, and we’re happy to provide a quote after a brief consultation. Reach out to schedule a free discovery call!

❓What is an estate plan?

💬 An estate plan is a set of legal documents that outline how your affairs should be managed if you become incapacitated and after your passing. Most estate plans include a will, trust, advance health care directive, power of attorney, property deeds, and personal instructions related to medical care or funeral services.

❓I already have a will. Isn’t that enough?

💬 A will is an important component of an estate plan. It allows you to distribute property and name guardians for minor children. However, wills must go through probate, a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming and public. A will also cannot delay distributions for minor heirs until they are ready to receive them. For most families, a trust—used alongside a will—offers more flexibility and protection.

❓What’s the difference between estate planning and legacy planning?

💬 Estate planning refers to the traditional process of preparing legal documents to manage and distribute your assets at incapacity or death.

Legacy planning takes things a step further. It involves thoughtful strategies like incentivized distributions, multi-generational gifting, and philanthropic giving, with the goal of positively impacting your heirs beyond the transfer of wealth. It’s about leaving a meaningful legacy—not just an inheritance.

❓What is probate?

💬 Probate is the court-supervised legal process that transfers a deceased person’s assets to their heirs. If someone passes away without having placed their assets into a trust (or in other exempt ways), their estate will likely go through probate. This process can take anywhere from 7 months to several years, depending on the size of the estate and any disputes that arise.

❓What happens if I die without an estate plan?

💬 If you pass away without a valid will or trust in place, your estate is considered intestate, and state law will determine how your assets are distributed. This often results in delays, added expenses, and outcomes that may not align with your wishes. It can also create unnecessary stress for your family during an already difficult time.

❓What is an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD)?

💬 An Advance Health Care Directive is a legal document that lets you outline your preferences for medical care if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. It can include instructions on life support, resuscitation, pain management, and other health care decisions—and it often names a person to make decisions on your behalf.

❓What do “intestate,” “testate,” and “testator” mean?

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  • Intestate: Dying without a valid will.

  • Testate: Dying with a valid will in place.

  • Testator: The person who has created and signed a will.

❓What is a Power of Attorney?

💬 A Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that gives someone legal authority to act on your behalf in financial or legal matters. You can choose the scope—whether it’s broad or limited—and whether it’s effective immediately or only if you become incapacitated.

❓How do I revoke a Power of Attorney?

💬 To revoke a Power of Attorney, you’ll need to complete a revocation document and notify both your agent and any relevant institutions (like banks or care providers). In some cases, recording the revocation with the county may also be necessary.

❓Why is an unfunded trust essentially useless?

💬 A trust must be funded—meaning your assets (such as real estate, bank accounts, and investments) must be properly titled in the name of the trust. If you create a trust but don’t fund it, it won’t control those assets upon your death or incapacity, and your estate may still need to go through probate.