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Getting “Something” In Place – Where To Start With Estate Planning

Wes Coulson debuts the second video in the Coronavirus Preparedness Series, discussing where to start with estate planning

 

Transcript:

What I want to talk about today is, I’m going to talk to the people that are saying, “you know, with the concern about the risk of contracting COVID-19, I want to get something in place or I think my mom should get something in place, and where should we start?” Well, let me offer some practical suggestions there.

One is documents, so things that we can help you with, and second is things to be done on your end.

Document wise, I’m going to suggest that you have three documents in place. One is a will, which even if it’s a simple will, it’s going to let everyone know who is supposed to inherit what from you. who is supposed to be in charge of things, and in our will form we will put things in so that if probate is necessary. we’re going to make that process as painless, quick, and inexpensive as the law will allow it to be. But, there’s every bit of chance that you would be temporarily down from coronavirus without dying, and so the other two documents that you should have in place are powers of attorney. One for property and financial matters, and the other for healthcare matters. Again, those are documents we can produce like the will pretty quickly, and get those in place for you.

On your end, what you also really want to be doing is some things of just organizing things. If somebody is going to be taking over for you, what are they looking for? Where are they going to find it? Lists of assets, lists of incomes, what insurance policies do you have that people should be looking for?

So again, if you can get some basic documents in place, do a little prep work on your end, I think it’s going to be well worth the investment of time and money because you’re going to feel a peace of mind from feeling prepared for what none of us hope is going to happen, but we look at the paper every day and see it’s unfortunately happening to some of us.

Also looking for information about Medicaid and Asset Preservation? Visit these articles:

    • Do Living Trusts Protect Assets From Medicaid or VA Spend Down?
    • How an Asset Preservation Trust Protects Your Life Savings From Long-Term Care Costs
    • Why Do I Need an Asset Preservation Plan?

“Your Trusted Advisor on the Elder Care Journey”

Dent-Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older. At Dent-Coulson Elder Law, our clients’ well-being is our number one priority. For immediate help, call (618) 632-7000 (IL) or (314) 567-9292 (MO), or Contact Us and we will get in touch as soon as possible.

Veterans Benefits O'Fallon ILFor Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs immediate help with a planning matter or legal issue, please contact us, and we will get back to you promptly.

774 Sunset Blvd Suite 200
O'Fallon, IL 62269
IL: (618) 632-7000
MO: (314) 567-9292

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