Estate Planning Checklist

1. Gather your important documents prior to your appointment.

- Bank Statements for all accounts.

- Brokerage Account Statements.

- Life Insurance policies.

- Deed to your home / copy of stock certificate for coop.

- Pension fund account statement.

- IRA account statement.

- Shareholders agreements if you own a business with partners.

2. Give some thought to who you want to inherit your property. 

- Your spouse if married

- Your children.

- Charities.

3. Give some thought as to who you want to be the executor of your estate.

- Your spouse.

- An adult child.

4. Give some thought as to who you want to be the trustee of your minor children. 

- A brother or sister

- A friend.

                                                    _________________

At your scheduled appointment we will discuss 1 through 4 above. Based on this review, we will together come up with the estate plan that suits you best. Below are the most common estate planning documents that may be considered:

1. Make a Will

- States who will inherit your property.

- Names an executor (person responsible for carrying out your wishes)

- Names a trustee and guardian for minor children.

2. Make a Revocable Trust

- Your beneficiaries won't need to go through the expensive and time consuming probate process with the Surrogates Court.

3. Make a Health Care Proxy

- You can appoint someone to make health care decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so.

4. Make a Durable Power of Attorney

- You can appoint someone with the authority to your finances and property if you become incapacitated and are unable to handle your own affairs.

5. Make a Living Will

- You can declare your desires regarding your medical treatment if you are unable to express your informed consent.