Estate Planning

The terms “Personal Representative” and “Executor” mean the same thing. This is an individual or corporate entity that you appoint to be in charge of going to court, opening a probate (a mini lawsuit), and submitting your Will to a judge after you pass away.

A common misconception about estate planning is only “wealthy” people need it. In reality, there are countless benefits associated with having a comprehensive estate plan no matter your tax bracket. In most situations, it is far less costly to have an estate plan than to attempt to go through the probate process to administer and distribute your estate. So, how can you benefit?

When it comes to estate planning, ensuring that your wishes are honored and your assets are managed appropriately can be a complex and daunting task. One way to add a layer of protection and oversight to your trust is by appointing a trust advisor.

A Successor Trustee is the individual or entity responsible for managing a trust when the original trustee is unable or unwilling to continue doing so themselves. (Note: the original trustee is typically the person who created the trust, known as the Grantor or Settlor.)

Signing a HIPAA Authorization form is crucial for ensuring your medical information remains secure and accessible only to those you trust. You empower healthcare providers to share vital information with designated individuals or organizations involved in your care, facilitating quicker and more efficient treatment decisions. This ensures no delays in critical situations, such as emergencies or consultations with specialists, due to a lack of authorized access to your medical history.

Losing someone you love is never easy. As you grieve their loss and celebrate their memory, the last thing you want to consider is: what do I do next? Is there anything I am forgetting? One of our top priorities at Evans & Davis is to eliminate those burdens and stressors from our clients’ plates by providing helpful resources. We want to share a few pieces of advice for actions you should take when you lose someone you love:

When you were a minor (under the age of 18), your parents were considered your legal guardians and were responsible for making all of your decisions for you. Now that you are an adult, their legal authority is very limited if not completely gone. Although this new found freedom may sound exciting, there are a few things you need to consider to set yourself up for the future and start taking responsibility as an adult: