A personal representative, also known as an executor or administrator, is responsible for managing and settling the estate of a deceased person.

They gather and secure assets, pay any outstanding debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the will or state law.

They also handle necessary legal matters and ensure that the deceased person's wishes are fulfilled, managing the estate efficiently until it is properly closed.

Typically, people name their spouse first if they are married. Then, they usually name someone close to them who is good at managing details and knows their family/interests well.

Personal representatives often work with a lawyer and other professionals to manage the estate, so it is not necessary for this person to have specific legal or other knowledge.

A health care agent, also known as a health care proxy or medical power of attorney, is someone appointed to make medical decisions on behalf of another person if they become unable to do so.

This includes decisions about treatments, surgeries, medications, and end-of-life care based on the person's wishes and best interests.

The health care agent communicates with doctors and other medical professionals to ensure that the person's health care preferences are respected and followed.

Typically people name their spouse first if married. Then, usually people name someone close to them who understands their values and concerns. It does not need to be someone who has specialized medical knowledge.

A financial power of attorney is someone authorized to manage another person's financial affairs. This includes handling banking transactions, paying bills, managing investments, and overseeing property matters. The financial power of attorney ensures that the person's financial responsibilities and interests are taken care of according to their wishes and best interests.

If married, people typically name their spouse first. Then, it is good to name someone who is close to you, has a decent understanding of finances, and who you trust implicitly to act in your best interest.

In our workshop, you are able to leave charitable gifts to up to three non-profit organizations if you wish. These gifts can be a specific dollar amount (e.g. $2,000), or a percentage of your total estate (e.g. 5% of my estate).

If you are married, this amount is gifted only upon the death of the second spouse (so you don't need to worry that leaving a gift to charity takes away from your spouse).

In drafting an estate plan, we want it to work today if necessary. So think of your family and friends as they are now, and think of what makes sense now. Don’t focus on what might be in 20 years. If things change over time, you can amend your plan. We draft for today, not years from now, because you want to know that if something were to happen tomorrow your plan would work well.