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Estate Planning Services
The Importance of Estate Planning
Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for your family. It's not just about estate tax planning -- it's about developing a plan to take care of your loved ones in the event something happens to you. Some things you may want to consider include:• Planning for incapacity - Using powers of attorney and long-term care insurance to make sure things are taken care of if you become ill or injured
• Avoiding probate - Helping your family avoid the delays and frustrations of probate and estate settlement
• Transferring wealth - Using wills, beneficiary designations, gifting and trusts to efficiently transfer wealth to loved ones
• Charitable giving - Developing gifting and trust strategies to benefit charities
• Estate tax planning - Reducing the potential estate tax burden your family may face
• Trusts - Establishing one or more trusts to accomplish your goals
Estate Planning Services: Working as a Team
Estate planning requires the assistance of your attorney and CPA. Your Financial Advisor can work with you and your tax and legal advisors to help gather the appropriate records that will help you and your team develop an estate plan and determine which estate planning strategies are best for your specific situation. In addition, because your circumstances change throughout your life, it's important to revisit your estate plan regularly. That way you can keep it up-to-date and make sure that your family's needs will continue to be met. Note: A.G. Edwards does not provide legal, accounting or tax-preparation advice. You should consult your tax and legal advisors for your specific situation.