.png)
As You Build Your Future,
Protect It With an
Estate Plan
What is an Estate Plan?
An estate plan is a legal strategy that outlines how your assets, finances, and personal wishes will be managed if you become incapacitated or pass away. It’s more than just a will — it’s a comprehensive set of documents and instructions designed to protect your loved ones, minimize disputes, and ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. Whether you own a home, have retirement accounts, or simply want to ensure a smooth transition of your belongings, an estate plan can save your family time, stress, and money in the long run.
Common Assets Included in Estate Planning
An estate plan accounts for virtually everything you own.
Here are some of the most common assets people address:
-
Real Estate – Homes, vacation properties, and land.
-
Bank Accounts – Checking, savings, and money market accounts.
-
Retirement Accounts – 401(k), IRA, pensions.
-
Investments – Stocks, bonds, mutual funds.
-
Life Insurance Policies – Death benefits payable to beneficiaries.
-
Business Interests – Ownership stakes or shares in a business.
-
Personal Property – Vehicles, jewelry, artwork, collectibles.
-
Digital Assets – Online accounts, social media, cryptocurrency.
Common Documents Included in an Estate Plan
Also Known as Advanced Health Care Directives
A complete estate plan often includes several key legal documents:
-
Last Will and Testament – Specifies who inherits your assets and names guardians for minor children.
-
Living Trust (Revocable or Irrevocable) – Helps manage assets during your lifetime and avoid probate after death.
-
Durable Power of Attorney – Authorizes someone to make financial decisions if you’re incapacitated.
-
Healthcare Power of Attorney – Appoints a person to make medical decisions on your behalf.
-
Advance Healthcare Directive / Living Will – States your wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care.
-
HIPAA Authorization – Allows designated individuals to access your medical records.
-
Beneficiary Designations – Ensures retirement accounts, life insurance, and other assets go directly to your chosen recipients.
Note: Advanced Health Care Directives
Advanced Health Care directives are only a component of an Estate Plan. All States have FREE Advanced Health Care Directives available to their residents. In emergency situations, where you are not able to plan, you can consider your State's FREE Advanced Health Care Directives. LEARN MORE HERE.
How to Create an Estate Plan Affordably
While estate planning attorneys are recommended when creating an Estate Plan it may not always be attainable for everyone due to cost. This is why we recommend the following companies to assist you with your Estate Planning needs:
-
Vaksman Khalfin, PC - Serving all of California, Nevada, and New York. Vaksman Khalfin law is reasonably priced and offers excellent customer service to their clients setting them apart in today's age of streamlining.
-
Online Legal Services – Companies like LegalZoom offer affordable, guided estate planning packages. These can cost a fraction of traditional attorney fees while still producing valid legal documents.
-
Local Document Preparers – Many states allow certified legal document preparers to help create wills, trusts, and powers of attorney for much less than an attorney’s hourly rate. This is ideal if your estate is straightforward and doesn’t require complex tax or asset protection planning
Note: Even if you use a budget-friendly method, it’s still wise to have a legal professional review your documents to ensure they meet state requirements. And when you are ready to have your documents Notarized, you can hire us here at Unlimited Ink Notary to provide you stellar Mobile Notary Services, right to your home or office.
Note to Consumers
-
Attorneys are licensed professionals who can advise you based on your unique situation, draft customized documents, and ensure they meet legal standards. They’re bound by ethical duties to protect your interests and can guide you through what happens before and after your documents are signed.
-
LegalZoom is a convenient online platform that helps you create basic legal documents on your own. It’s not a law firm, and no attorney reviews your paperwork or gives you legal advice. This option can work well for simple needs—but complex situations are best handled by a licensed attorney who can provide personalized guidance.
-
Local Document Preparers can help fill out and file forms but cannot offer legal advice or represent you in court. Their services are often more affordable than hiring an attorney, but they do not provide legal guidance or review your documents for accuracy under state law.