Shockingly, the most popular estate plan in America by far is to do nothing. In the United States, 70% of all people do not have a Will. In such cases, the state legislature creates one for them upon death, and the Probate Court is in control. What about those with a Will? Do they escape this costly and drawn out process? Absolutely not. Although a Will does direct assets to your heirs, it only accomplishes this after your assets go through a lengthy and costly probate process. A properly drawn estate plan allows you to completely avoid probate and have your entire estate settled privately by your family.

Do you know a friend or loved one with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or Huntington's disease? Perhaps you know of someone who was healthy one day, and then suddenly had a massive stroke. Heritage America can teach you to protect your health and assets from the state in cases concerning disability. If something happens to incapacitate you or one of your loved ones, the state may appoint a conservator or guardian to handle them for you. Without proper planning, your family may have to stand by and allow someone else to care for you.

There has been a great deal of talk and concern relating to the new "Medicaid Recovery Act," which has now been federally mandated and enacted in all 50 states. These new Medicaid rules may allow liens against real estate and any other tangible assets when you receive Medicaid assistance. Through our organization, you can learn how to protect your assets from Medicaid Spend-Down provisions which can deplete your entire estate, leaving nothing for your heirs.

Without proper estate planning, your family may have to liquidate assets meant to be distributed to them to pay estate taxes. With a good estate plan, you can reduce and in most cases eliminate Federal Estate Taxes altogether. AS a member of Heritage America you can find out more information on how to utilize 100% of your personal estate tax credit and avoid the pitfalls of joint ownership.

A Capital Gain is the difference between the current market value and the original cost, or cost basis, of an asset. Whether the gain is the accumulated value of your home or the investment of stocks that you've held for many years, without proper planning you may be subject to Capital Gains taxes. With proper planning, you can avoid both Probate fees and Capital Gains taxes that would otherwise result from the sale of those assets after your death.