Estate Planning -- What is it?

Just what is estate planning? The answer is not simple, because means something different to
everybody. To some it means a Simple Wil l. to another it is a very extensive combination of Trusts and
various business organizations. For most people, the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

What it means to you depends on what is important to you. This list is virtually infinite. More basic
matters include avoiding probate and making the transfer of your assets to your family as efficient and
inexpensive as possible. We submit that while important, there should be many, many other
considerations.

For instance, have you considered how your affairs would be managed if you were disabled? Who
would pay your bills, manage your investments, file your tax returns, and take care of your home?
Who would decide where you live?

Do you have a child or other family member who has difficulty managing money? Do you have a child
in a "bad" marriage? Do you have a grandchild with a disability?

Are you worried about privacy? Do you want the rest of the world to know not only how much money
you have, but to whom you have given it?

Do you have Life Insurance? Who are the beneficiaries? Who should they be?

Do you have a retirement plan or plans? What will happen to that when you are gone? Have you done
anything to minimize the tax impact after your death?

See -- there is a lot to think about.

If you are more "mature", you've worked hard all your life to get to where you are. If you are a young
parent you have much to protect.

Planning involves looking at everything you have, and everybody you love, and taking the actions to
protect all of this.

Our job is to help you. We want to know what keeps you awake at night, whether it is a dream of the
future, or something that is a contstant worry. Our goal is to help you take care of this so that you do
sleep.

Rather than focus on what pieces of paper you need, we work toward a comprehensive set of answers
and solutions, whether your affairs are simple or complex. Commonly people come in and say I need a
simple will, or I need a Durable Power of Attorney, or I need a Trust. Sometimes they are right,
sometimes not. We'll help you understand that a Power of Attorney, while important, sometimes isn't
honored when you need it most. We'll help you understand that Trusts do so much more than just
avoid probate. On the other hand we'll also tell you that on occasion it is better to have your assets
pass through probate rather than use beneficiary designations.

You see, there are simply no absolutes. You are special and unique, and the plan you develop should
recognize this.

What is Estate Planning?
Do I need a Will or a Trust?
(and many other questions)

We don't believe these questions can be answered on a Website. We KNOW they can be answered by meeting with you. Call us - let us help.

Missouri Estate Planning

(816) 628-4900

Attorney at Law

Richard J. Herndon

What is Estate Planning?Do I need a Will or a Trust?(and many other questions)

We don't believe these questions can be answered on a Website. We KNOW they can be answered by meeting with you. Call us - let us help.

Missouri Estate Planning

(816) 628-4900

Attorney at Law

Richard J. Herndon

What is Estate Planning?
Do I need a Will or a Trust?
(and many other questions)