Did you know you already have an estate plan?

The only question is whether it is the estate plan you want — the one that's best for you and your family.

Anyone who owns assets has an estate, whether those assets fill a 50-room mansion or a shopping cart. Upon a person's death, those assets must, by law, be properly distributed. Exactly which assets are distributed to whom depends on the estate plan. Without proper planning, a court could determine their distribution in accordance with state law, which may not fit the wishes of the deceased.

This material shows why you need an estate plan and highlights some of the basic components of an estate plan. A financial planner, working in conjunction with your estate planning attorney, can help you design a sound, cost-effective estate plan that complements your overall financial circumstances.

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