Estate Planning is the process of deciding how you wish your estate to be distributed upon your death. This includes planning for an efficient and cost effective probate and the coordinated use of trusts and beneficiary designations. It also includes planning to reduce or eliminate any estate tax liability. For parents of minor children it is also the method of designating guardians for them should one become necessary. Estate Planning also is necessary to plan for distribution of an estate to a beneficiary with a disability. This may be when there are concerns a beneficiary lacks the ability to protect his or her assets. Special Needs Trusts are also used to protect benefits that may be received by a disabled beneficiary that could be affected by an inheritance. No estate plan is complete without considering a Power of Attorney, a Health Care Directive (Living Will) and Community Property Agreement (for married couples). Other estate planning tools include the various types of living (revocable) trusts, irrevocable trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of appointment, various forms of property ownership (Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, tenancy in common, etc.), and gifting. Mr. Williams has recorded a YouTube video about Estate planning issues especially for parents and family members of individuals with Developmental Disabilities. He has done these regularly for PC2, a local advocacy and information agency, which is also an excellent resource for all concerns about individuals with a Developmental Disability.
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