Estate Plans: Let’s Complete the Process

Written by

As we reviewed recently, updating or completing an estate plan is something we do not like to think about but need to get done. Action steps include:

  • Figure out the person(s) or place (like a bank) that you want to carry out your estate plans. Getting a plan done is nice, but someone will need to do what you want. This “executor” or “personal representative” can be a person or bank. It is always helpful if you let the person or bank know ahead of time.
  • Gather up everything you organized recently – titles to cars, deeds to real estate, life insurance policies, and so on. Set an appointment with an attorney that does estate planning work. If you need to find an attorney, then I can recommend some, or check with family and friends for recommendations.
  • If you do want to complete this process on your own with forms you find on the internet, then please have an attorney review it.
  • Look over the draft of the estate plan and ask questions. This is your plan, so get all the information you need.
  • Complete your will and/or trust by signing it.

While you are at it:

  • Get your funeral planned and paid for.
  • Get documents done that allow other people to carry out your health care wishes and take care of your financial affairs in case you cannot do so yourself.
  • Finally, if you own a business that is going to go on after you die or become disabled, then put a plan together there as well.

Every situation is unique, and you may not need all these steps, or you may need to do more. Please make sure there are formal, legal instructions as to what is to happen to everything you own when you pass away. Losing a loved one is painful enough without having to make these decisions while grieving.

If there are no formal, legal instructions in place at your passing, then the laws of intestacy come into play, and they can have surprising results. Married couples may assume that everything just automatically goes to their spouse no matter what. NO! If you have a wife, children and no will, then everything gets split between your spouse and children. (Ponder your teenage son with a substantial sum of money and call your attorney…NOW!) Laws of intestacy get even more complicated without a spouse or children. Please save some trouble here and get an estate plan done.

Please note, this information is not to be considered legal advice. In accordance with COVID-19 public health guidelines, all in-person meetings at CICOA are canceled until further notice, including walk-in appointments and the legal clinic. If you need legal services, please contact Indiana Legal Services or call 1-844-243-8570 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.


Tom Ayer
Tom Ayer

Tom is CICOA’s corporate and planned giving manager. Through planned giving, he helps donors give to an organization they care for deeply. He is passionate about helping people achieve some of their important financial goals. “We can have their assets work better for them now and also better for CICOA in the future,” he says. Prior to joining CICOA, Tom worked for a company based in Nebraska managing capital campaigns. Before that, he worked for the American Cancer Society for 12 years.


More News & Stories

Senior woman eating a nutritious meal at home

Year-End Giving and the Power of Your Support

As we approach the year-end, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible impact your generosity has had on our mission at the CICOA Foundation. While some might associate year-end giving with tax benefits, we know that for our exceptional donors,...
Anna and Ricky at Bella's Memorial

Nourishing Hearts and Souls: Anna and Her Beloved Pets

In a little house tucked away in a small community in the southeast side of Marion County, Anna lives with her beloved pets. For years, these cherished animals have been beacons of support and solace in Anna's life as she...
Seniors eating lunch together

Comfort And Social Connection For Seniors Through Cultural Cuisine

Throughout the vibrant energy of our Central Indiana cities and small towns, a compelling yet often overlooked story unfolds – the rich and meaningful lives of our senior community members. Some have lived on the same street their entire lives,...