Basic Estate Planning
Preparing for the Future
ESTATE PLANNING ISN’T JUST FOR THE WEALTHY—IT’S FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO PROTECT THEIR LOVED ONES, MAKE THEIR WISHES KNOWN, AND PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED. BASIC ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS SUCH AS A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT, DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY, HEALTHCARE PROXY, AND LIVING WILL FORM THE ESSENTIAL FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING YOUR AFFAIRS DURING INCAPACITY AND AFTER DEATH. WITHOUT THEM, CRITICAL DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR FINANCES, HEALTH CARE, AND FAMILY COULD BE LEFT IN THE HANDS OF THE COURTS. AT CARDINAL ESTATE PLANNING, WE HELP YOU PUT THESE VITAL DOCUMENTS IN PLACE SO YOU CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE, KNOWING YOUR FUTURE—AND YOUR FAMILY—ARE PROTECTED.
Last Will & Testament
A Last Will and Testament is more than just a legal document—it’s your voice in deciding what happens to your assets after you pass away. Without a will, state law determines who inherits your property, which may not reflect your wishes. A will allows you to name beneficiaries, nominate a guardian for minor children, and select an executor to handle your affairs. Having a will in place gives you control, clarity, and peace of mind, while also easing the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.
Financial Power of Attorney
A Financial Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted person—known as your agent or attorney-in-fact—to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions on your own. It takes effect upon signing and terminates at your death or if you revoke it. Unlike a regular power of attorney, a durable power remains in effect even if you lose mental capacity, making it a critical part of any comprehensive estate plan. Without a DPOA, your loved ones may be forced to go through a time-consuming and costly court process to gain the authority to manage your affairs. At Cardinal Estate Planning, we help ensure you have a DPOA tailored to your needs—so your finances and responsibilities remain in capable hands no matter what the future holds.
Health Care Power of Attorney
A Health Care Power of Attorney (also called a Health Care Proxy) is a legal document that allows you to designate a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate or make those decisions yourself. This includes choices about treatments, procedures, and care providers. Having a Health Care Power of Attorney ensures that someone who knows your values and wishes is legally authorized to act in your best interest during a medical crisis. Without one, your loved ones may face confusion or conflict at an already difficult time. At Cardinal Estate Planning, we help you appoint the right person and provide them with the legal authority needed to advocate for your care when it matters most.
Living Will
A Living Will, also known as an Advance Directive, is a legal document that outlines your preferences regarding end-of-life medical treatment. It speaks for you when you are no longer able to communicate and typically addresses issues such as life support and artificial nutrition or hydration. A Living Will provides clarity to you loved ones and medical team, helping to prevent uncertainty or disagreement during emotionally challenging moments. At Cardinal Estate Planning, we work with you to clearly document your wishes, ensuring that your values guide the care you receive - even if you cannot speak for yourself.
"You can't predict the future, but you can prepare for it."
- Anonymous