Communicating Your Wishes And Safeguarding Your Assets

At the law office of Suzanne Baker-Steele, Attorney At Law, P.L.L.C., our primary goal is to guide individuals and families with their important choices. Wills, trusts and estate planning in general are sometimes difficult for people to talk about. Some put off creating a will or a trust because they do not understand the importance of these estate planning instruments. An estate plan typically includes a will, powers of attorney and living will and may also include a trust. Each of these instruments creates a vital roadmap to help you communicate your wishes and safeguard your hard-earned assets.

During our more than three decades of practice, we have consistently empowered clients when it comes to significant life choices. We can help you create the peace of mind and stability that comes from estate planning. We will provide the competent guidance you need. Call our office in Biloxi at 228-206-2055 today to schedule an appointment to learn more.

Understanding Wills And Trusts

Without a will, a person’s assets and property will be governed by Mississippi’s probate laws when they die. This means their assets will be subject to the state’s distribution rules, without regard to the individual’s intentions. The best way to prevent an unintentional outcome is to create documents such as a will. Anyone over the age of 18 who is of sound mind may create a will, regardless of the amount of property they own. A will allows you to designate your choice of personal representative to ensure your personal property and real estate are distributed to your heirs and beneficiaries according to your wishes.

A trust is different from a will. A trust is a legal instrument which creates a relationship between the person who creates a trust, a “trustor,” and a “trustee” who is held responsible to distribute the assets placed in the trust for the benefit of the trust’s beneficiaries. A person may be both a trustor and trustee while they are alive. Trusts must contain specific legal language. Careful funding of the trust must also be complete for a trust to stand the test of time.

You may express your individual wishes in a number of ways within each of these documents. Suzanne Baker-Steele will help you understand the full breadth of your legal options for creating a personalized estate plan which serves your unique circumstances.

Do Not Wait to Create Your Will

Call the law office of Suzanne Baker-Steele, Attorney At Law, P.L.L.C., in Biloxi at 228-206-2055 to learn more about the vital role of estate planning in creating a stable financial future for your family. You may also email the firm to make arrangements for a consultation.