What’s Included In The Will-Based Estate Plan
Below is a breakdown of everything included in your plan and simple explanations of what each document does.
At Advisor Wealth Management, we offer a Will-Based Estate Plan through our partnership with Encore Estate Planning. This plan is comprehensive, attorney-reviewed, and designed to give you peace of mind, without the complexity of a trust-based structure.
Included Documents:
1. A Will
Your Will is the cornerstone of your estate plan. Without a Will, the state decides how your assets are divided, often through a long and expensive probate process. This document puts you in control by allowing you to:
- Decide who will receive your property and assets
- Name guardians for any minor children
- Appoint an executor (the person who carries out your instructions)
2. Financial Power(s) of Attorney
This document authorizes someone you trust to handle your financial affairs if you're unable to do so due to illness or incapacity. Without this document, your loved ones may have to go to court to get permission to manage your finances during an emergency.
By designating someone as your financial power of attorney, they’ll be able to:
- Pay your bills
- Manage your bank and investment accounts
- Make financial decisions on your behalf
3. Medical Power(s) of Attorney
Having a medical power of attorney in place ensures your medical wishes are respected and your loved ones aren’t forced to make painful decisions without guidance.
- Outline your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care
- Appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you can’t speak for yourself
4. HIPAA Release(s)
This allows designated individuals to access your medical information.
5. Statement of Wishes (optional)
This document is designed to provide your loved ones with a statement of certain health care wishes.
6. Dual Copies for Married or Domestic Partners
If you’re married or in a domestic partnership, each of you will receive your own set of the above documents. They’re coordinated to ensure your wishes and protections are aligned.
Advisor Wealth Management currently only offers the Will-Based Estate Plan through Encore. Trust-based estate planning is not included in our offering at this time.
If you have questions about whether this plan is right for your situation, please speak with your advisor before getting started.