The idea of estate planning can be intimidating, but even a simple plan can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your wishes have been accurately illustrated.

Here are some basic steps to help you develop your estate plan.

1. Take inventory of what you own. List each of your assets and their approximate values, and any other pertinent information. 
   List your tangible personal property including jewelry, dishes, books, and furniture, and who will receive each item upon your passing. 
2. Evaluate your estate planning goals. For example, what people, charities, or organizations do you wish to benefit? Consider if there are minors or those with supplemental needs that may receive from your estate.
3. List all digital and social channels you use along with their usernames and passwords. This will be incredibly helpful to your family.
4. Consider who to name as your fiduciaries, including the executor of your will, the trustee of your trust, and your medical and financial power of attorney agents. List information about each agent including their phone numbers and addresses. 
5. Visit an estate planning attorney. If you do not have one, you may ask us for referrals or check with family and friends for recommendations.
6. Rely on the advice of your attorney and other professional advisors, properly sign your estate planning documents prepared by your attorney, and update beneficiary designations on financial assets, as necessary. 
7. Share your plans and where your original documents are kept with others, including your close family members and those you have named as agents in your documents.

One of the most meaningful gifts you can give both yourself and your loved ones is the certainty that they will be taken care of, and that your estate will seamlessly pass to the people and causes that you hold closest to your heart. Please contact our team for a complimentary estate planning guide, or to learn about the many ways to support the Los Angeles Philharmonic through your estate plan.