Every family is different, and your estate plan will be tailored to your specific needs, but the essential documents often include a will, durable power of attorney, healthcare directive, and a living will. Some families may also benefit from establishing a trust.

Asset distribution is a personal decision. We help our clients consider how to distribute their estate fairly and effectively among beneficiaries, in a manner that minimizes tax implications. Specific questions might include whether to give assets outright or in trust, and how to provide for children, grandchildren, or other dependents.

Choosing trustworthy individuals to manage your estate, healthcare decisions, and finances is crucial. These roles typically include the executor, trustee, and agents under a power of attorney.

While the federal estate tax exemption is high, state-level taxes can still affect families. Our team will help you employ strategies to minimize estate taxes and pass on assets tax-efficiently.

Establishing guardianship provisions and creating a trust can protect minor children and dependents. Special needs trusts are critical for beneficiaries with disabilities.

Having healthcare directives and a durable power of attorney ensures that your financial and medical affairs are managed according to your preferences if you’re unable to make decisions.

Revocable living trusts can avoid probate and offer privacy. Irrevocable trusts might be useful for asset protection or Medicaid planning. When creating your estate plan, we’ll help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of different trust types.

Changes in personal circumstances, tax laws, or state laws may require updates to your estate plan. We typically recommend that our clients do a review every three to five years or after major life events.

Plan Ahead’s clients come from all economic backgrounds and we pride ourselves on offering affordable services to the Tulsa community. You don’t need to be wealthy to gain the advice and expertise of our lawyers. Our goal is to simplify the estate planning process and make it financially feasible for most people so that, when the time comes, the hard decisions have been made and your loved ones don’t have to guess what your wishes were.

What Estate Planning Documents Do I Need?

Frequently Asked Questions