Once I became a Veteran in 2020, I knew I wanted to continue to help people through all sorts of legal processes. My goal was to take the confusion, frustration, and trial and error process away from my customers and clients and explain the legal process effortlessly, while helping them draft their documents. I became interested in Estate Planning when my grandfather transitioned back in 2017. Just like many other families, my family didn’t know what to do. Unfortunately, all he had was a Will and there were still many gaps in his Estate Planning. Because of this, his assets underwent a lengthy probate process instead of innately transferring to who he wanted to designate. I didn’t understand why a Will worked in such a way, that didn’t benefit the family.
During a loved one’s transition period, families have many tasks to do. They have to get a legal pronouncement of death, arrange for transportation of the body, notify the loved one’s doctor or county coroner, notify close family and friends, handle care of dependents and pets, and call the loved one’s employer (if they are still working). On top of all of this, the family needs time to mourn and cope with this new situation and some family members may need bereavement time off. This can quickly become overwhelming which causes unwanted feelings of anger and frustration. This is why families should not only have a Will, but a Living Trust. Why a Living Trust? A living trust holds the assets of the trust creator in a trust for his or her benefit during their lifetime. Then, upon the death of the trust creator, the assets are transferred to designated beneficiaries by the “successor trustee," the person who had been chosen by the trust creator to do so. Trust Creator has Control of Assets In other words, the trust creator (grand parent, mother, father) has COMPLETE CONTROL of their assets/property when they are alive, but once they transition, the designated “successor trustee” transferred these assets to whomever the (gran parent, mother, father) designated in their Trust. Simple right? Avoiding Probate By placing your property in a living trust, however, you can avoid probate because the successor trustee distributes assets according to the trust creator's instructions without court intervention. Retains Privacy A living trust is a private document between the parties involved and does not become part of the public record. In other words, no one can later go and search public records to find out more about the distribution of your estate. A will, on the other hand, is public record, so everything in it becomes public as well. Conclusion All of these things can give you peace of mind now, knowing that your estate will be handled exactly as you wish later. The existence of the trust can also provide certainty and comfort to your loved ones during an already stressful time because you've laid everything out for them. According to The Wealth Counsel, “74% of American adults believe that estate planning is a confusing topic. My process takes the confusion and frustration out of creating your Living Trust! Let me help you and your family retain generational wealth! Still not convinced? Book a FREE Zoom Meeting or telephone consultation with me, to see how I can assist you!
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by: Sydney JordanSydney is an entrepreneur, wife, and mother, leading Sydney's Signings, LLC to provide crucial legal aid to families. With a background as a U.S. Navy Paralegal Specialist and Notary, she has supported over 300 commands. Her education from Columbia University in Business Administration and Legal Studies informs her current leadership as the 2022 President of the Georgia Notary Network, Inc., enhancing notary public services across Georgia. Outside the office, Sydney delights in roller skating with her kids and hiking in state parks. Archives
December 2023
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