Estate Planning in the Berkshires
One of the most important things you can do for your family can also be one of the hardest to stomach: creating your estate plan.
We’re here to help guide you through the estate planning process with empathy and expertise so you can rest easy knowing the most important parts of your life will be protected after your death.
The benefits of having an estate plan
- Help heirs avoid the time, headache, and expense of probate court.
- Protect your heirs by dictating terms and conditions for inheritances.
- Determine who will make important decisions for you when you cannot.
- Shelter assets from estate taxes (sometimes called inheritance taxes).
- Protect your home from seizure or forced sale.
- Outline which life-saving measures you wish to receive.
- Avoid family discord by making important decisions before you pass.
- Support the causes you care about.
What does an estate plan include?
An estate plan isn’t a single item – it’s a collection of legal documents that may vary from person to person depending on their circumstances. Many of the estate plans we create with our clients include:
- Will and living will
- Durable power of attorney
- Health care power of attorney
- Revocable living trust
- Medical directives
- Plans for long term care
- Beneficiary designations
- Irrevocable life insurance trust
- Insurance for life, disability, and long-term care
- Plans for the transfer of your business
As a client of Berkshire Money Management, you’ll have support not just establishing an estate plan, but in keeping it up to date as your family and circumstances change over time.
