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The Process and Details of Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of accumulating and disposing of an estate so as to maximize the profits. Estate planning should be done in such way that it can enable you to pay the least amount of taxes or minimize probate court involvement. But this is possible if you make sure that the greatest amount of estate passes to the intended beneficiaries.

The Tools of Estate Planning

Estate planning has different types of tools which incorporate various forms of property ownership, gifting and powers of attorney like the durable financial power of attorney, beneficiary designation, powers of appointment, wills and many more. But nowadays, it is advisable to create a living will. This type of will is actually made at the end of a patient’s life.

In the United States since there is no tax code on the life insurance proceeds, therefore a life insurance trust can be used to pay estate tax. But in case, the descendant has the ability to remove or change beneficiary, then the proceeds will remain in the estate.

Remember that a good estate planning involves distributing the assets to people or causes after death in such a manner, that you can minimize the legal complications and the tax incidence. The best time to make your estate planning is when you are alive and in a rational state of mind. Remember that your decision can be challenged if you make your estate planning during an illness affecting contracting capacity.

The Proper Planning

The best way to plan your estate valuation is to take account of all the stock (referred to as “estate”), and make their valuation. The term estate refers to planes, boats, bikes, cars, employee benefit, savings account, pension account, ownership rights/interest in business and many more. The debts and obligations to the others are also a part of your estate.

Prepare details of the beneficiaries incorporating their name, address, and age and in case the beneficiaries are minors at the time of the planning of the estate, then determine who should be the trustee or the guardian of the estate. It is always advisable to seek help of the professional estate planer so as to reduce the tax incidence. Remember, estate planning is not a one-time affair, so you should review it from time to time.

For more infomation on estate planning choose from the list below.
 

Banking - Business Finances - Economics - Insurance - Investing
Major Purchases - Personal Finances - Stock Market - Taxes




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