Legacy

These topics will get you thinking about some things that will matter while considering the many various aspects of planning and investing in your estate. Our role is to help you evaluate the characteristics of your asset ownership and the desired disposition of those assets. Learn more by exploring the following links:

Wills

Having a Last Will & Testament helps give you peace of mind that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes after you die. In your will you’ll need to stipulate who will inherit your probate assets as well as choose an executor who will oversee the process. In addition, your will can state other instructions such as guardianships for minor children and trusts for multiple purposes. Your John G. Ullman & Associates Advisor can help by looking at how your assets – your bank accounts and trusts – are titled to see if those beneficiaries should be updated. Wills should be reviewed periodically to be sure they reflect your current wishes. While we can’t draft a will for you, we can help you outline your priorities and help you prepare to meet with your attorney.

If you have recently married you’ll likely want to update your wills and review your goals. If you have a blended family, it’s important that you and your spouse each come to an agreement about the distribution of assets. You need to decide what will be left to the children and the surviving spouse/partner. We’ll help you work through these intricate decisions so the outlining of your wills can progress smoothly.

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Obligations of Executor

An executor is a fiduciary named in your will who carries out the instructions of the will. The executor’s duties include payment of final bills and estate expenses and disbursement of assets to beneficiaries named in the will. This is typically accomplished with the assistance of an attorney, accountant, and your John G. Ullman & Associates Advisor who can help guide you through the process.

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Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes a trusted family member or other person to act as an “agent” on your behalf. The agent can manage your interests in your business, private affairs, or other legal matters. There are different types of Powers of Attorney and your John G. Ullman & Associates Advisor can help you determine which type is best suited to your needs. We will help you understand the implications of the critical role of your agent during your life.

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Healthcare Proxy

The Healthcare Proxy is a document that allows an appointed “agent” (a trusted family member or other person) to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. We recommend that you consider creating this document along with your estate plan, Will, and Power of Attorney

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Trusts

There are many types of trusts. We will discuss the benefits, uses, and planning implications of trusts based on your circumstances.

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Estate planning for your children & grandchildren

Preserving generational wealth is often a priority in wealth management, legacy planning, and estate planning for your children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Estate planning isn’t something to postpone until late in life; in fact, we encourage our clients to consider beginning estate planning as early as age 18 or at the age of majority in your resident state. We will walk you through the appropriate estate planning documents and help you determine the right strategy for your personal situation.

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Charitable giving

Charitable giving can both satisfy philanthropic inclinations and provide financial benefits. We will walk you through creative opportunities to align your philanthropic motivations and optimize tax-efficient strategies.

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Settling an estate or trust

If you’ve been appointed executor or trustee to an estate, we can help you understand the duties involved with settling that estate or managing the tasks of the trustee. Settling someone’s affairs can be a very emotional and difficult time. We can help you focus on tasks such as distribution of certain assets or personal property, selling a home, and working with family members in the process. It can become even more complicated if you live at a distance. John G. Ullman & Associates can help you put all the appropriate pieces together.

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