What You Need “To-Do” with Your Estate Plan, Elder Law Attorney, Woodstock, GA

Now that January has passed and you have hopefully gotten your beginning of the year business done, it is time to turn your attention to your estate plan and make sure that it is up to date.

Your estate plan should not be seen as a static document. You need to continuously monitor it to make sure it is up to date and accurately reflects your wishes. It is often suggested that you do so annually at a minimum.

For non-professionals, however, this can be challenging. Why? Because they do not know what all needs to be done.

Fortunately, the Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog recently published an article titled the “Estate Planning To-Do List.”

While the list is meant for estate attorneys, it contains important advice for non-professionals as well, including:

Make Exclusion Gifts Early – It is best to make any exclusion gifts early in the year for estate tax purposes just in case something happens to you during the year.
Fund Trusts – If there is anything you earned in the last year that is not part of your trust, make sure that you put it in the trust now.
Review Beneficiary Designations – Make sure all of your documents have the right beneficiaries.
Check Fiduciary Designations – Make sure all your fiduciaries are capable and willing to act in that capacity.

Of course, if you have any difficulties with any of the above, see an experienced estate planning attorney who can help you.

Reference: Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog (January 28, 2015) “Estate Planning To-Do List.”

Hear From Our Clients

“On the threshold of retirement, we finally decided to quit thinking we could self-prepare the requisite documents. We had previously had only a very simple will. We needed the necessary legal (including updated will) & health care docs but didn’t want to deal with the time & complication of legalese. Cindy made the process relatively painless. She took the time to explain and answer questions without trying to upsell services. We were done in 2 meetings plus the reading of emailed drafts. In addition to preparing the documents, Nelson Eldercare will be there when our adult children need advice on executing the plans we’ve put in place.So glad it’s behind us and would recommend Cindy and her helpful staff.”

- Bonnie

Cindy and her company treat their clients like family. Nelson’s offers clear, direct, and honest guidance in planning for your families security and future. No one wants to actively sit down and make these decisions, but Nelson’s makes this process seamless. I was so impressed with their willingness to answer all questions big or small. So glad I made the decision have them help my mom and dad and now me. You can’t go wrong with Nelson’s Elder Care Law.

- Hope

The very best elder law attorney and staff anyone could ever ask for! I have referred a number of clients to Cindy and she never disappoints. She is kind, caring, and extremely thorough in making sure everything is completed as it should be. I highly recommend Cindy for anyone needing lawyer services; she truly goes above and beyond for every client she helps and has had a huge impact in so many peoples’ lives. Thank you, Cindy and staff, for everything that you do- I’m so glad to know you!

- Kerri

I heard Cindy’s presentation at a Senior Luncheon at my church, and was very impressed. She helped my daughter and me understand many aspects of elder law. Josh has also been very helpful in my planning to enter an independent living situation . I have told many friends about them.

- Charlotte

Cindy and the Nelson Elder Care Law team are trustworthy and helpful. They are the experts in elder care law. At Leaf Cremation, we entrust our families to the care of the Nelson team when their services are needed.

- Pierce