Planned Giving, Estate Planning & Bequests
Perhaps you are thinking about your estate plans. You may be ready to make an appointment with an attorney to draw up a current will. If so, the following will help you prepare for your visit. Thinking about these things before meeting with an attorney could save you time and money:
- Take inventory of your assets and liabilities - What do you own and what do you owe? Make a list of real estate, vehicles, collectibles, bank and brokerage accounts, insurance policies-everything you have. Estimate the current value. Also, list all of your financial obligations. This inventory will help you and your attorney immensely.
- Decide who you want to settle your estate following your death - This personal representative should be someone you consider fully trustworthy. You may also need to select guardians for your dependent children, and select one or more trustees to oversee any trusts you may have. Be sure to ask all of these people before including them in your will.
- Decide where will you transfer your assets - A surviving spouse will likely receive all or part of your assets. Family members may be beneficiaries as well. And, you may want to consider an estate gift to those organizations you have supported during your life; organizations like Hospice of the Valleys that reflect your deepest interests and values.
Hospice of the Valleys relies on generous donors like yourself to continue its' exemplary work in providing loving care and support for those at end-of-life in our community. By partnering with us, you can fulfill your deep commitment to leaving a lasting legacy and make a significant difference in the lives of others. You will enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your valuable assets will be used to further your highest ideals and will have an enduring effect on the quality of life for citizens of our community.
If you would like to include Hospice of the Valleys in your will, contact Terry Azkoul, our Executive Director, at (951) 200-7800 or tazkoul@hovsc.org.
