Armando Patino photo
Prudential logo

Armando Patino, LUTCF®, FSCP®

Financial Advisor

 

Prudential Advisors

1 Tower Center Blvd, 16th Floor

East Brunswick, NJ 08816

 

Phone: 908-368-1588

Cell:     201-290-1941

 

Email: armando.patino@prudential.com

Website: www.prudential.com/advisor/armando-patino

March/April 2025

Estate Planning Basics Protect Your Family

A close-up of a last will and testament document accompanied by a luxurious black pen, emphasizing the importance of legal documentation in estate planning and asset distribution.

Your will is a primary estate planning document that specifies how you want your assets distributed when you die and names a guardian for any minor children. Additional essential documents most people should have include a financial power of attorney, which allows someone to make financial decisions for you, and a health care proxy, which designates another person to make health care decisions on your behalf when you cannot do so yourself.


Your Personal Representative
You will have to name a personal representative (formerly called executor) in your will to carry out your final wishes. The person you choose will be responsible for cataloging assets, paying final bills, settling debts, overseeing your financial and investment accounts, and distributing property. Settling an estate can be complex and time-consuming, so you want to be sure the person you name is willing and able to undertake this task.


Making a Choice
What are some things you should consider when naming a personal representative? Consider whether the person you want to name will have time to settle your affairs. Someone with a young family or a demanding work schedule may not be a good choice. And, if cataloging items in your home and arranging for their disposal or distribution is necessary, you should select someone who lives close to you.


Avoid Arbitrary Choices
Choosing your personal representative based on arbitrary factors, such as the age or gender of one of your children, may not be a wise decision. Consider more than birth order if you plan to appoint a child. While you can name multiple children to serve as co-representatives, doing so can lead to disagreements and delays in settling your estate.


Naming an Institution
If you don't have family members or friends who are experienced enough in financial matters to undertake the tasks of a personal representative, you might consider naming an institution as representative or co-representative with a loved one. However, most institutions charge a hefty fee for this service and may not accept the position unless your estate is large.


An estate planning attorney can help you explore all your options.

677987


CONTACT US

Enter your Name, Email Address and a short message. We'll respond to you as soon as possible.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through LPL Enterprise (LPLE), a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC, and an affiliate of LPL Financial.
"Prudential Advisors" is a brand name for the proprietary retail sales channel of The Prudential Insurance Company of America ("PICA") and its insurance company and other affiliates (collectively "Prudential"). Prudential Advisors financial professionals are licensed insurance agents of Prudential.
Pursuant to a strategic relationship among Prudential, LPLE, and LPL Financial, Prudential Advisors financial professionals provide securities brokerage services and/or investment advice on securities solely as registered persons of LPLE, an affiliate of LPL Financial. These financial professionals are permitted to brand under "Prudential Advisors".
LPLE and LPL Financial are not affiliated with Prudential.
This newsletter is general educational information provided by a Prudential Financial Professional and is not intended to market or sell any specific products and services, but rather provide general information about the subject matter covered only.
Prudential Advisors and LTM Marketing Specialists LLC are unrelated companies. This publication was prepared for the publication’s provider by LTM Client Marketing, an unrelated third party. Articles are not written or produced by the named representative.

The information and opinions contained in this web site are obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors and omissions or for any damages resulting from the use of the published information. This web site is published with the understanding that it does not render legal, accounting, financial, or other professional advice. Whole or partial reproduction of this web site is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.