Vermont Retirement Planners, LLC

54 Highland Avenue
Manchester Center, VT 05255
nick@vtretirement.com
(802) 367-3958

87 North Main St.
Rutland, VT 05701
nick@vtretirement.com
(802) 772-7945

Estate Read Time: 3 min

Critical Estate Documents

Financial Documents

 Joint OwnershipDurable Power of AttorneyLiving Trust
What does it do?Enables you to own property jointly with another personAuthorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions if you become incapacitatedHolds your belongings until your death
Can it authorize someone to handle your financial affairs if you are unable to communicate?Generally, nocheckGenerally, no
Can it specify how you want your belongings transferred after your death?check
But only those belongings owned jointly
Generally, nocheck
Is it private?checkcheckcheck
When does it go into effect?As soon as joint ownership is recordedEither immediately or upon a specific trigger event (such as your incapacity)When the document is signed and the trust is funded
Does it require court involvement?NoNoNo

Health Care Documents

 Living WillPower of AttorneyPower of Attorney for Health Care
What does it do?Provides specific instructions about medical care and artificial life supportAuthorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions on your behalfAuthorizes someone to make health care decisions on your behalf
Can it outline your medical wishes if you are unable to communicate?checkGenerally, noGenerally, no, but it does authorize someone to make medical decisions on your behalf
Can it authorize someone to handle your financial affairs if you are unable to communicate?Generally, nocheckGenerally, no
DurationNo expiration; can be revised or revoked at any timeDepends on specifics in the document; can be revised or revoked at any timeDepends on specifics in the document; can be revoked or revised at any time
Is it private?checkcheckcheck
When does it go into effect?Upon your incapacityEither immediately or upon a specific trigger event (such as your incapacity)Either immediately or upon a specific trigger event (such as your incapacity)

Note: Power of attorney laws can vary from state to state. An estate strategy that includes trusts may involve a complex web of tax rules and regulations. Consider working with a knowledgeable estate management professional before implementing such strategies.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

The Sequence of Returns

The Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

The Economic Journey of Your Morning Coffee

The Economic Journey of Your Morning Coffee

Few contemplate the complex journey that brought their coffee from farm to kitchen table.

Choose Your Own Retirement Adventure

Choose Your Own Retirement Adventure

Retirement is one of the greatest adventures you’ll have. Which retirement adventure will you choose?

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Filing Final Tax Returns for the Deceased

The federal government requires deceased individuals to file a final income tax return.

Saving on Subscription Service Costs

There are ways to improve your physical fitness without denting your fiscal fitness.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

View all articles

How Much Home Can I Afford?

With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.

What Is My Current Net Worth?

Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.

A Look at Systematic Withdrawals

This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.

View all calculators

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

View all presentations

Timing Your Retirement

This short video illustrates why knowing when to retire can be a crucial part of your strategy.

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Keeping Up with the Joneses

Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?

View all videos