A legally binding document that outlines:

• Who inherits your assets—including money, property, and personal belongings.
• Who will take care of your minor children or pets by naming a legal guardian.
• Who will manage your affairs after you pass (your executor).
• Your final arrangements, such as burial or cremation preferences.

In a trust, this document is known as a "Pour-Over Will." It ensures any assets not directly placed in your trust are transferred into it upon your passing.

Why it matters: Without a Will, state laws decide what happens to your assets and dependents, which may not align with your wishes.

This document allows your chosen representatives to access your medical records and discuss your healthcare with doctors.

• Ensures your family or appointed decision-makers can get critical medical information.
• Complies with federal privacy laws so providers can legally share details about your care.

Why it matters: Without this, even close family members may be denied access to your medical information in an emergency.

A legal document that outlines your medical preferences if you're unable to communicate them yourself. It includes:

• Life-sustaining treatment preferences (e.g., ventilators, feeding tubes).
• Pain management and comfort care choices.
• Religious or personal values regarding end-of-life care.
• Designation of a healthcare agent (someone who makes medical decisions on your behalf).

Why it matters: If you don’t document your preferences, doctors or courts may decide for you, potentially against your wishes.

A Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial or legal affairs if you become incapacitated.

• Make financial transactions (pay bills, file taxes, manage investments).
• Handle property and legal matters on your behalf.
• Avoid costly court intervention by pre-selecting a trusted agent.

Why it matters: Without a POA, your family may need court approval to handle your affairs, causing delays and expenses.

A legal entity that holds your assets and ensures they transfer directly to your beneficiaries without probate.

• Bypasses court involvement, avoiding delays and legal fees.
• Keeps your financial affairs private (unlike a Will, which becomes public record).
• Allows for conditions on inheritances—such as delaying payouts until beneficiaries reach a certain age.
• Lets you stay in control—you can update or revoke the Trust anytime during your lifetime.

Why it matters: A Trust ensures a smooth transfer of assets while giving you greater control over how and when your wealth is distributed.

A detailed inventory of assets that are included in your Trust.

• Lists real estate, bank accounts, investments, and other property to clarify what’s covered.
• Serves as an essential reference for your Trustee when managing distributions.
• Helps prevent disputes by clearly documenting what is part of your estate.

Why it matters: Without a properly recorded Schedule of Assets, some property could be excluded from your Trust, requiring probate.

A summary document proving your Trust exists without revealing all its details.

• Used to verify your Trust with banks, financial institutions, and real estate transactions.
• Protects your privacy by limiting access to full Trust documents.
• Provides legal proof of your Trustee’s authority.

Why it matters: Many financial institutions require verification before allowing transactions. This document prevents delays while keeping your full estate plan confidential.