Estate planning creates a clear roadmap for what happens to your assets, your health care, and your loved ones if you are unable to make decisions or after you die. Even if your estate is small, this helps:

• Prevent legal disputes and delays.

• Minimize taxes and court costs.

• Ensure your wishes and values are honored.

• Make things easier for your loved ones at a difficult time.

Yes. Everyone, regardless of wealth or health status, can benefit from a will. A will names who should receive your belongings and who will care for dependents. Without one, state law decides these matters.

• Will: Directs how your property is distributed and who will care for minor children after your death. Goes through probate court, which can be time-consuming.

• Trust: Holds your assets for beneficiaries, managed by a trustee. Often avoids probate, offers privacy, and can take effect while you are alive or after death

A trust helps when you want to:

• Avoid probate for your loved ones

• Provide ongoing management for beneficiaries (like children)

• Maintain privacy and avoid public court records

Trusts are especially common when you have property in more than one state, a blended family, or want more control over how your assets are managed or distributed.

If you die intestate (without a will or trust), your assets are distributed according to state law. The court decides who gets your possessions, who will care for your children, and none of your personal wishes or values are considered.

Choose someone:

• Trustworthy, responsible, and organized

• Willing and able to serve (ask first!)

• Comfortable handling financial and legal duties

• Ideally, younger or close in age, so they are available when needed
  Some people use a professional trustee or executor, especially for complex estates.

Review your plan regularly and update after major life events.

• Marriage or divorce

• Birth/adoption of children or grandchildren

• Death of a beneficiary or named decision maker

• Significant changes in finances, assets, or state of residence
  Keeping your documents current makes sure your wishes are always honored.

• Not having a plan at all

• Forgetting to update beneficiary forms (like IRAs or life insurance) after major life changes

• Choosing the wrong executor or trustee

• Not communicating intentions to family members

• Letting documents get outdated or lost

Advance directives are legal documents (like a living will and health care proxy) that state your wishes for medical care if you cannot make decisions yourself.

• Ensure your health care choices are respected

• Avoid placing difficult decisions on family members

• Name someone you trust to make medical decisions if needed

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it is about giving yourself and your family peace of mind, control, and clarity for the future.

• Make a list of your assets and accounts

• Watch short videos or read educational materials to learn the basics.

• Reflect on your wishes and values for health care, children, and finances

• Choose trusted decision makers (executor, trustee, powers of attorney)

• Meet with an estate planning attorney or give us a call! At Embrace Wealth Management, we can help you create or update your estate documents.