How to Choose Trusted Helpers for Your Estate Plan

While taking the time to create your estate plan, you will have to carefully decide on trusted helpers.  These helpers have different responsibilities and each will help you either during your lifetime or after your death.

If you’re having trouble deciding on trusted helpers for your estate plan, take a look at some of the tips below.  If you have additional questions or if you want to create an estate plan, meet with an estate planning attorney.

Choosing a trustee or executor

When choosing a trustee of your trust or an executor of your will, it’s important to carefully make your decision.  This person should possess the following traits:

• Able to keep all documents organized and keep proper records
• Be able to make smart financial decisions that are in your best interest
• Able to communicate with your beneficiaries on a regular basis
• Willing and able to commit the amount of time needed to handle a variety of responsibilities
• Willing to get professional help, if needed

Choosing a guardian

Choosing a guardian for your minor children can be one of the hardest decisions you may ever have to make.  You want to select someone who will be able to treat your children well. Your guardian should possess the following traits:

• Able to give your children the needed level of attention and care
• Should make your children feel comfortable and safe
• Willing to make sure that your children experience a similar lifestyle

Choosing a power of attorney agent

Regardless of whether you’re selecting a financial power of attorney agent or a healthcare power of attorney agent, he or she should be able to handle all of the duties and tasks associated with the job.  Your agent should possess the following traits:

• Should be able to communicate effectively
• Able to make smart medical and financial decisions
• Willing to respect your wishes and act in your best interest

Take care when selecting the trusted helpers for your estate plan.  If you need help making a decision, or if you’re ready to create your estate plan, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

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John Kuhn, Estate Planning Attorney

Former South Carolina State Senator, John Kuhn is a founding partner of the Kuhn & Kuhn Law Firm.The Kuhn & Kuhn Law Firm is a boutique estate planning (wills, trusts and probate) firm, which he and his wife opened in 2002.The law firm was created to serve clients who want an excellent and thorough estate plan.

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