Kirk Estate Planning

As the school year approaches, it’s important to complete financial and medical powers of attorney (with HIPAA waivers) for your college-aged children. Once a child turns 18, privacy laws prevent parents from accessing that child’s health, education, or financial information unless the child has consented in writing. Amid our current pandemic, this preparation is even more essential. This article has a good breakdown of why these documents are necessary.   I’m happy to discuss it with you if you’d like more information. https://www.consumerreports.org/health-privacy/help-your-college-age-child-in-a-medical-emergency/

The holidays can be the perfect time to talk with your family about estate planning (really!) Most loved ones are happy to know your wishes and relieved to learn that you've completed an estate plan to make things easier. This article discusses how to raise the topic and what to talk about.  It doesn't have to be an hours-long, depressing conversation.  People are usually glad to have the peace of mind the discussion produces. https://www.investopedia.com/retirement/thanksgiving-good-time-talk-turkey-about-estate-planning/

Having a child is one of life's most profound events.  Most people carefully prepare for welcoming and caring for their child.  Creating an estate plan is an essential part of parenting. While it can be difficult to make time to visit an estate planning attorney, if you hire someone who focuses only on estate planning, it can be much easier than you might think.  This article has some good advice on estate planning for parents with children of all ages. 4 Estate Planning Steps for New Parents

I'm sharing this article from Forbes.com because it is an excellent overview of how estate planning benefits you, before and after death. 4 Estate Planning Myths That Refuse To Die by Ron Carson Forbes Estate planning remains one of the most misunderstood areas of planning. Over the years, I’ve met with people who “only needed a financial plan, not an estate plan” or “didn’t need a financial plan, just some help with estate planning.” I’ve also met with people who labeled themselves too young (or too old) to engage in estate planning. What they were all missing is that estate planning is an integral part of a comprehensive financial plan, not something that sits outside of it. That’s because estate planning is part of life planning.   It’s about defining and living out your legacy during your lifetime, enabling you to enjoy the impact it has on the people and organizations you support; ensuring loved ones who depend on your income are protected in the event of your ...