Estate planning is the process through which individuals anticipate and make arrangements for the management and disposition of their estates during their lifetimes and after death. Estate planning allows for the orderly settlement of one’s estate and ensures that the deceased’s intentions for the disposition of his or her estate are effectuated. Estate planning documents provide protection and security to surviving spouses and descendants when a beloved spouse or parent passes away, and help direct medical and financial matters when a loved one may not be able to do so for themselves due to physical or mental limitations.

Here are some of the documents the attorneys of Drinkwater & Goldstein, LLP can prepare to assist you in planning for the end of life:

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LAST WILL & TESTAMENT

If you die without a valid last will and testament, state law will decide what happens to your estate—and who inherits what—after your death. The easiest way to avoid this result is to allow us to prepare a simple will, also known as a basic will, to express your wishes.

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LIVING WILL/ADVANCED HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES

Living wills and other advance directives are written, legal instructions regarding your preferences for medical care if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering and relieve caregivers of decision-making burdens during moments of crisis or grief. Advance directives aren't just for older adults. Unexpected end-of-life situations can happen at any age, so it's important for all adults to prepare these documents.

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

A Durable Power of Attorney allows individuals to select agents to act on their behalf and for their benefit for personal, medical and financial matters when they may not be able to do so for themselves due to physical or mental limitations. Separate personal representatives can be appointed to Financial Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney positions, or the same agent can handle all of the individuals affairs. It is important to have someone trusted in mind who can act on your behalf when and if you are no longer capable of doing so.

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WE CAN HELP

 No one likes to think about their own mortality, and yet, as the years slip by, the need to prepare for what lies ahead becomes ever greater.

 

Whether you are a 30-something creating an estate plan, a 50-something caring for an elderly parent, or an 80-something worried about how your affairs will be handled in your absence, Drinkwater & Goldstein, LLP is honored to assist you in crafting a comprehensive estate plan, tailor-made to meet your specific needs – be it in the form a will, elaborating on “who gets what”; a living will or advanced directive, outlining to your medical providers your specific wishes in terms of medical care; or a Power of Attorney document naming a trusted loved one or friend as the agent tasked with handling your affairs in the event that you are no longer able to do so yourself.

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Call our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your estate planning intentions and we are happy to help you take control of your future.

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Serving all of Camden County and Gloucester County including  Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Haddonfield, Washington Township, Turnersville, Sewell, Williamstown, Atco, Berlin, Waterford, Lindenwold, Stratford, Collingswood, Haddonfield and Haddon Heights.

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Drinkwater & Goldstein

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