ESTATE PLANNING
Focus on what's important. We'll help with the rest.
If you wish to leave behind a meaningful legacy, be it for loved ones or a charitable institution, you need to put a well-thought-out estate plan in place. Without an established plan, the fate of your estate could be determined by the government, lawyers, or people that don’t have your interests and best wishes in mind.
Having an estate plan is paramount in ensuring your estate is handled according to your wishes. Together with your estate planning attorney, we can assist in drafting documents and reviewing your situation so your estate benefits the people and charities you care about most.
Collaborative Estate Plan Design
Ascent Advisors collaborates with your attorney and CPA to design a professional estate plan—ranging from a simple will to a complex trust agreement. Our team helps facilitate the conversations families often prefer to avoid, supporting clarity and thoughtful decision-making throughout the process.
Supporting Asset Organization and Transition Planning
We assist in organizing and safeguarding your assets to support a smooth transition during unexpected events or times of crisis. Our approach encourages proactive planning and reduces confusion for loved ones when decisions need to be made.
Guidance for Family Understanding and Communication
At Ascent Advisors, we create an environment where family members have the opportunity to fully understand the estate plan and the intentions behind it. This fosters transparency, reduces conflict, and strengthens multigenerational communication.
Estate Planning Outline and Checklist
Estate planning isn’t limited to those with significant wealth. Regardless of net worth, a well-structured estate plan outlines how your assets will be transferred to the people or causes you care about. Estate planning also helps address living expenses for dependents and align decisions with long-term financial and legacy goals. A clear plan supports your family’s direction and carries forward your intentions after your passing.
What We Can Do For You
Will education: We can help you understand how to structure your will so your legal team can create a document that reflects how you want your estate disposed of and distributed. From a simple will to a testamentary will, or joint wills and living wills – our team will help you navigate the complexities of this document so you won’t need to stress over specifics.
Creating Powers of Attorney (POA): Whether it’s to manage specific assets, such as investments, accounts, and real estate holdings, or to help others make health care decisions if you are ill or incapacitated, you need a POA in place to ensure your wishes are followed. A well-crafted POA will also smoothen how decisions about your final arrangements, and those related to your estate, are taken care of once you pass.
Choosing executors: The executors of your estate wield strong powers that determine how your estate is handled upon your passing. We’ll help you understand the importance of choosing an executor(s) for your estate, and what criteria you should consider when appointing someone to discharge this all-important role – especially if minor children/guardians are involved.
Designating beneficiaries: If you don’t choose beneficiaries for your assets carefully, your estate assets might end up in the hands of individuals that you never intended should benefit from them. A well-thought-out estate plan ensures the needs of your dependents are taken care of.
Minimizing estate taxes and probate fees: Taxes, fees, and other levies have the potential to erode a large part of your estate before your beneficiaries see a cent. Careful planning can reduce the impact taxes and fees may have.
Estate protection: Even after you pass, many of your assets – such as long-term investments and property – will likely need protection and management until they are disposed of and their proceeds are distributed to your beneficiaries. In the absence of an estate plan, your assets will likely not receive the type and level of protection those assets require.
Distribute your legacy: Our professionals can support you in synchronizing your estate plans and your will, so your assets are distributed in line with your final wishes.
Schedule a meeting with us to see what an estate plan can do for you.
Our firm does not provide legal advice or services. Please consult your legal advisor or an estate planning attorney regarding your specific situation.