Estate Planning
We know that every family's situation is unique. Because of this, Berg Myers recommends specific estate planning tools for you only after thoroughly exploring your goals, requirements, and expectations. Our personalized estate plans typically include a Will, Health Care Directive, and Powers of Attorney. It may also include a Trust or Real Estate documents to create the ideal plan to accomplish your objectives.
Most of our estate planning options are flat rate so you know exactly what you will be paying. We offer these options as a la carte, or as part of a package that is designed to save you money! Contact us for the costs of these packages.
Who needs estate planning?
While you may not know it, everyone has an estate plan. If you don’t create your own plan, state laws determine what happens to your assets after your death. With our help, you have an opportunity to decide:
Who will receive your property;
Who will make critical decisions in the event of your death or incapacity; and
Who will care for minor children.
This is accomplished by taking time to establish goals for you and your family and then work with a us to create a plan and execute documents that carry out your goals. While not everyone needs a complex estate plan, we often discover that state law does not match someone’s goals and their family ends up burdened by unnecessary difficulties.
Each client has unique circumstances: Are you single? Married with minor children? Blended family? Committed relationship but not married? Disabled family member? Charitable wishes? Modest or substantial assets subject to estate taxes? Wish to avoid probate? Own real estate in another state? Own your own business? Family cabin or other special property? These circumstances are all taken into account to create a plan that is right for you.
what is the process?
A typical process starts with either an initial consultation meeting, or completing an Information Form, both of which provide Berg Myers with basic information about your family, your assets, and identifies goals and any special circumstances. The initial meeting is primarily education - we learn about you and your goals and discuss various options to achieve these goals. Together we select the appropriate plan. Once you have made the decisions involved in your plan, a series of documents are drafted and sent to you for review. At our next meeting we review each document together, answer questions, and make revisions. Berg Myers is with you every step of the way to ensure proper execution of the documents.
This process can often be completed in two meetings, but additional meetings may be necessary when complex plans or difficult decisions require additional planning and discussion. If you have a financial advisor or other trusted professional relationships, we encourage sharing of information and seeking their input to reach the best results.