The famed French poet Jean de la Fontaine once said, “Death never takes a wise man by surprise; he is always ready to go.” At Carolina Estate Planning, we wholeheartedly agree. Attorney Jeffrey Bloomfield has devoted his career to assisting others in preparing for the future through client-centered, cost-effective estate planning. From baby boomers interested in charitable giving and passing on their retirement accounts, to millennials with small children looking to develop their first estate plan, Jeff creates a customized plan that brings his clients peace of mind.
Estate Planning Tools
Effective estate planning requires the use of different legal ideas and documents to accomplish short and long term goals. Although each estate plan at Carolina Estate Planning is tailor-made according to the wishes of our clients, some of the “tools” we most commonly use include Last Will & Testaments, Revocable Living Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Healthcare Power of Attorneys, and Power of Attorneys.
Last Will & Testament
A Last Will & Testament is the first document that comes to mind for most people when they think of estate planning. Often referred to as simply a “Will,” this document becomes effective at the time of the testator’s death and appoints a personal representative (sometimes called an “executor”) to administer the estate according to the terms of the Last Will & Testament. Often, this document also states who the testator desires to have custody of any minor children.
Revocable Living Trust
A Revocable Living Trust (RLT) allows its creator, called a “grantor,” to designate whom they wish to receive their assets upon their death while still retaining control over the assets while they are alive. An RLT is an appealing option because it does not have to go through probate upon the death of the grantor.
Special Needs Trust
A Special Needs Trust (SNT) allows an individual to ensure their special needs family member or loved one is cared for after they are gone without losing their ability to qualify for and receive state and federal program assistance.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that allows an individual to appoint a health care agent to make decisions about their healthcare should they become incapacitated and unable to make the decisions themselves.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) allows an individual to appoint someone else to act as their legal agent. POAs can be construed to grant general or specific powers.
Guardianship of Minors
Of utmost concern to all individuals that have minor children is who will care for their children if they should die or become incapacitated. An essential part of the estate plan for these parents is appointing a guardian to ensure the well being of their children.
Contact Jeff for Estate Planning Help Today
I welcome you to reach out to me, Attorney Jeffrey Bloomfield, to learn more about how these estate planning tools can be put to use for you and your family. You can reach me by calling 336-790-5107 or via my contact page to begin the estate planning process. I will guide you in the creation of an estate plan that accomplishes your goals so that you have peace of mind in knowing your loved ones will be cared for even after you are gone.