Estate Planning News

The First Step In Estate Planning

Inventory everything you own and assign a value to each asset. Here's a list to get you started. You may need to delete some categories or add others.

• Residence
• Other real estate
• Savings (bank accounts, CDs, money markets)
• Investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
• 401(k), IRA, pension and other retirement accounts
• Life insurance policies and annuities
• Ownership interest in a business
• Motor vehicles (cars, boats, planes)
• Jewelry
• Collectibles
• Other personal property

Once you've estimated the value of your estate, you're ready to do some planning. Keep in mind that estate planning is not a one-time job. There are a number of changes that may call for a review of your plan. Take a fresh look at your estate plan if:

• The value of your assets changes significantly.
• You marry, divorce or remarry.
• You have a child.
• You move to a different state.
• The executor of your will or the administrator of your trust dies or becomes incapacitated, or your relationship with that person changes significantly.
• One of your heirs dies or has a permanent change in health.
• The laws affecting your estate change.

Contact our Chicago estate planning attorney now.

	Did You Know?
	Estate planning is a process to consider alternatives Good estate planning is more than just a simple Will. Estate planning also typically minimizes potential taxes and fees, and sets up contingency planning to make sure your wishes regarding health care treatment are followed. On the financial side, a good estate plan coordinates what would happen with your home, your investments, your business, your life insurance, your employee benefits (such as a 401K plan), and other property in the event you became disabled or if you die.