The Core Documents You Need for a Solid Estate Plan
Estate planning isn’t just about deciding who gets what after you’re gone. It’s about making sure the people you trust have the authority they need to act for you, both during your lifetime and afterward. At Fletcher Estate Planning, we help clients create clear, complete plans that address more than just a will. Below are the documents that form the foundation of a thoughtful estate plan.
1. Last Will and Testament
A will gives instructions for what happens to your assets after your death. You can name an executor to handle the process, direct how your property is distributed, and nominate a guardian if you have minor children. Without one, Georgia’s default laws decide who inherits, which may not match your intentions.
2. Revocable Living Trust
A living trust allows you to move assets into a trust during your lifetime while still maintaining control. You name yourself as trustee and set out instructions for what happens when you pass away. A big benefit: your beneficiaries avoid probate. That means less court involvement, more privacy, and often a faster transfer of assets.
3. Durable Financial Power of Attorney
If you become unable to manage your finances, this document allows someone you choose to step in and take care of things. They can pay bills, manage investments, and handle property matters. It’s a key tool for preventing court involvement if you’re incapacitated.
4. Healthcare Power of Attorney
This names someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re not able to do so yourself. Whether it’s a short-term emergency or a long-term health issue, it gives your chosen person the legal right to speak with doctors and make choices about your care.
5. Advance Directive (Living Will)
An advance directive lays out your wishes for medical treatment if you’re in a terminal condition or permanently unconscious. You can state whether you want life-sustaining treatment, feeding tubes, or comfort care only. It takes the pressure off loved ones who might otherwise have to make those decisions without knowing what you’d want.
6. HIPAA Authorization
Even if you name someone to make healthcare decisions, doctors can’t legally share your medical information without permission. A HIPAA release allows your chosen person to access your records and talk with providers about your care.
7. Beneficiary Designations
Some assets—like life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death bank accounts—don’t follow your will. They pass directly to the person you’ve named. It’s important to review these regularly to make sure they match the rest of your plan.
8. Real Estate Deeds
If you own property, the title needs to be in the right name. That might mean transferring it into your trust or holding it in a way that avoids probate. The wrong name on a deed can create delays, costs, and court involvement that your estate plan was meant to prevent.
Conclusion
An estate plan is more than just one document. It’s a set of legal tools that work together to protect you, guide your loved ones, and carry out your wishes.
At Fletcher Estate Planning, we walk you through each step and explain what’s needed for your specific situation. If you’re ready to create or update your estate plan, we’re here to help. Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward peace of mind.
