General Estate Planning Documents

WILL – who inherits “probate” assets at your death and who is in charge.

• Probate assets-assets titled in your name only with no joint owner and no beneficiary named.
• Probate-court proceeding.

TRUST –who inherits trust assets at your death and who manages trust assets during your life and after your death.

• Trust assets-assets titled in the trustee’s name as trustee of your trust.
• No probate.

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY – who has access to and can manage your non-trust assets during your life.

• May not permit your agent to access Medicaid and VA benefits if not drafted with those programs in mind.
• Ends at death.

HEALTH CARE SURROGATE – who makes medical decisions if you can’t.

• Can now be drafted to be effective immediately.

LIVING WILL – instructions about machines if at end of life and no chance of recovering or regaining capacity.

DO NOT RESUSCITATE – medical order that says do not RESUSCITATE me if I have cardiac (heart attack) or respiratory failure.

If you need help with your estate planning options, contact Beth A. Prather, P. A. at 239-208-3050 or fill out our online form.