Do I Need A Will? Press 1 For "Yes," 2 For "Yes," Or 3 To Speak To Uncle "Lucky"

Every adult, no matter your age or net worth, needs an estate plan. An estate plan is made up of one or more documents such as a will, trust and/or beneficiary designation form that control who will pay your final expenses and distribute your assets according to your wishes. Your estate plan determines where your money in bank accounts, stocks, life insurance policies, personal property and real estate will go. Estate planning is important, no matter how small your estate.

This is sort of a no-brainer. You need a will.

If you don't have a will, then your assets may be divided by state law. Who wants that?

So, how does that work? Your heirs will get a portion based on their relationship to you (e.g., spouse, child, niece, etc.). And, yes, your blackjack-playing brother "Lucky" in Nevada will get the same split as your sister who volunteers with local charities three days a week.

What about any minor children? Your will should state a specific guardian and at least one successor in case the primary guardian cannot or will not serve. You don't want you kids in foster care or staying with Uncle Lucky in Las Vegas if you can help it.

An article from the Times Herald-Record in the Hudson Valley area of New York State, titled "Retirement & Estate Planning," recently reviewed several other fundamental steps you should take to complete your estate plan.

After setting out the guardianship in your will, the article advises to secure a retirement account and insurance policy with beneficiaries. Finally, you can create trusts, which state how to distribute (and how not to distribute) your assets after your death.

That's a lot to remember. Don't rely on luck (or Lucky).

An additional step is to get the advice of an experienced estate planning attorney so your will and other documents are customized for your specific situation.

If you’d like to talk with an Estate Planning attorney, visit www.elderlawannarbor.com.

Resource: Times Herald-Record (Hudson Valley NY) (March 16, 2014) "Retirement & Estate Planning"