Rapid City Estate Planning Attorneys

Providing Expert Estate Planning Assistance in Pennington County and Greater South Dakota with Over 100 Years of Combined Experience

Thinking about the transfer of one’s estate after they pass away can be a difficult task. However, we are here to help. Estate planning at Beardsley, Jensen & Lee is more than just drafting documents on your behalf; we make an effort to determine the best course of action regarding the transfer of an estate, as well as planning for unexpected events that could derail an individual’s wishes.

We recognize that every family and individual is unique, and we take the time to sit down with our clients to design an estate plan that is tailored to meet a family’s or individual’s specific goals. Some of the services that we provide to accompany an individualized estate plan include:

• Will (Last Will and Testament): A will specifies how a person’s assets will be distributed after their death and who will oversee the process. It also allows for the appointment of guardians for minor children and ensures that final wishes are carried out.
• Trusts (if applicable): Trusts help manage assets during a person’s lifetime and after death, often allowing them to bypass probate. Revocable living trusts offer flexibility, while irrevocable trusts can provide tax benefits and asset protection.
• Power of Attorney (POA): A financial power of attorney gives someone authority to handle financial matters if the person becomes incapacitated. A medical power of attorney allows a chosen individual to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.
• Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will): This document outlines medical treatment preferences in case of incapacity, including life support and end-of-life care decisions. It ensures that healthcare providers and loved ones follow the person’s wishes.
• Beneficiary Designations: Certain assets, like life insurance policies and retirement accounts, allow beneficiaries to be named directly. These designations override a will, ensuring the assets pass directly to the chosen individuals.
• Letter of Intent: A letter of intent is an informal document that provides guidance on personal wishes, funeral arrangements, and important matters for loved ones. While not legally binding, it can help ensure final wishes are respected.
• Guardianship Designations: This designation names a trusted individual to care for minor children or dependents with special needs. It helps prevent disputes and ensures children are raised by someone chosen by the parents.
• Business Succession Plan (if applicable): A business succession plan outlines how a business will be transferred or managed after the owner’s death or incapacity. It can include details on leadership transitions, ownership transfers, and financial arrangements.
• Tax Planning Strategies: Tax planning helps minimize estate taxes and maximize wealth transfer to heirs. Strategies may include trusts, gifting, and charitable donations to reduce tax liabilities.
• Property and Asset Inventory: This is a comprehensive list of all assets, real estate, accounts, and liabilities in an estate. It helps ensure that nothing is overlooked when distributing property and settling financial matters.

Schedule your consultation today at (605) 777-7466.

Why You Need a Tailored Estate Plan in South Dakota

Planning for the future is crucial to ensure that your assets are protected and your loved ones are taken care of. Comprehensive estate planning goes beyond simply creating a will. It involves a thorough evaluation of your financial situation, assets, and goals to develop a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs.

Here are some reasons why comprehensive estate planning is essential:

• Preserve your wealth: Estate planning allows you to determine how your assets will be distributed after your passing. By creating a well-structured plan, you can minimize estate taxes and ensure that your loved ones receive their rightful inheritance.
• Protect your loved ones: Estate planning allows you to appoint guardians for minor children, establish trusts to provide for their financial needs, and designate beneficiaries for life insurance policies and retirement accounts. This ensures that your loved ones are taken care of in the event of your incapacity or death.
• Avoid probate: Proper estate planning can help your loved ones avoid the lengthy and costly probate process. By utilizing tools such as living trusts, you can transfer assets to your beneficiaries outside of probate, saving time and money.
• Plan for incapacity: Estate planning includes preparing for the possibility of incapacity. Through the creation of documents such as a durable power of attorney and healthcare directive, you can appoint someone to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
• Ensure business continuity: If you own a business, estate planning is crucial to ensure its smooth transition in the event of your retirement, incapacity, or death. By creating a succession plan, you can designate who will take over the business and outline the necessary steps for a seamless transition.

At Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, our experienced estate planning attorneys can guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive estate plan that protects your legacy and provides peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.