WHAT IS ESTATE PLANNING?

Your estate consists of all the property you own, whatever it is worth, and wherever it is located.

Planning involves a systematic development and updating of goals, policies, and procedures.

So, estate planning is the systematic development and updating of goals, policies, and procedures for all of the property you own, whatever it is worth, and wherever it is located.

Most people are concerned about what will happen to all of their assets when they die or should they become incapacitated. They want to preserve their estate for their spouse and their heirs and stay in control for as long as possible. They want to direct who is going to receive their estate, including when and how much their beneficiaries will receive. And they want to accomplish all of this while avoiding unnecessary fees, costs, and commissions.

Instead of worrying about the many ways that this process can go wrong, make a good start by deciding today to work with a CEP®. You can avoid needless costs, delays, and frustration if you make a plan for your estate now.

WHY WORK WITH A CEP^®?

You should only work with trusted and experienced people, preferably a team of professionals that includes a financial advisor and a lawyer with a broad general practice and knowledge of estate planning. Maintain an ongoing relationship with a planner that you trust, someone that will make sure that your plans are fully funded and kept up to date.

Consumers are urged to check the credentials of individuals that they are working with. The CEP®, or Certified Estate Planner™, is a financial, legal, or tax professional who has earned a distinctive educational certification through the National Institute of Certified Estate Planners (NICEP).

A CEP® has completed a rigorous course of instruction in the field of estate planning, successfully passed a comprehensive examination process, shown a desire to associate with professional estate planning peers, agreed to comply with annual estate planning continuing education requirements, and ascribed to the practical guidelines and code of ethics of the NICEP.

The CEP® is a federally registered trademark of the NICEP. Once earned, the continued use of the CEP® is annually renewed by those who maintain a financial, educational, and ethical good standing. The NICEP reserves the right to suspend or revoke the use of this professional designation.

We are proud to stand behind our designees, and will be happy to verify the current status of anyone using the designation. Use this website to find a qualified professional in your area.