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Delaware Estate Planning

Estate planning in Delaware helps individuals prepare for the future. Attorney-drafted templates are quick and straightforward to complete.

intro Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves creating documents to manage your assets and healthcare decisions. These documents are essential for ensuring your wishes are respected. Explore our subcategories for the most relevant templates.

Common Delaware Estate Planning documents

  • Last Will — outlines how your assets will be distributed after death.
  • Durable Power of Attorney — designates someone to make decisions on your behalf.
  • Living Trust — holds assets for your benefit during your lifetime and distributes them after.
  • Healthcare Directive — specifies your healthcare preferences in case of incapacity.
  • Living Will — details your wishes regarding medical treatment at end-of-life.
  • Probate Forms — necessary for the legal process of distributing a deceased person's estate.

Estate Planning forms by State

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Similar documents: key differences

  • Will vs. Living Trust — a will manages assets after death; a living trust holds assets during life.
  • Power of Attorney vs. Healthcare Directive — a power of attorney handles financial decisions; a healthcare directive focuses on medical preferences.
  • Durable vs. Non-Durable Power of Attorney — durable remains effective if you become incapacitated; non-durable ends if you lose capacity.
  • Living Will vs. Healthcare Directive — often used interchangeably, but a living will specifically addresses end-of-life medical decisions.

  • Ensure you have the capacity to sign documents.

  • Many estate planning documents may need notarization or witnesses.

  • Related documents should align for consistency in titles and beneficiary designations.

  • Update your plans after major life events like marriage or the birth of a child.

  • Select trustworthy individuals for roles like executor or agent.

  • Store original documents securely to prevent loss or tampering.

  • Regularly review your estate plan to reflect changes in your life or assets.

How to get started

Start in minutes with these steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature.

Practical tip

Many people find it helpful to discuss their wishes with family to avoid misunderstandings later.

FAQs

Estate planning helps ensure your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes.

While not mandatory, a lawyer can provide valuable guidance in complex situations.

Review your estate plan regularly, especially after major life changes.

Without a plan, state laws will determine how your assets are distributed.

Yes, you can modify your estate plan at any time as your circumstances change.

Glossary

  • Will - A legal document outlining asset distribution after death.
  • Trust - An arrangement where a third party manages assets for beneficiaries.
  • Power of Attorney - A document granting someone authority to act on your behalf.
  • Healthcare Directive - A document specifying medical treatment preferences.
  • Executor - A person appointed to carry out the terms of a will.
  • Beneficiary - An individual entitled to receive assets from a will or trust.
  • Incapacity - A state where a person cannot make decisions for themselves.
  • Probate - The legal process of validating a will and distributing assets.
  • Living Will - A document specifying wishes for medical treatment at life's end.
  • Durable Power of Attorney - Remains effective if the principal becomes incapacitated.

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