Page 79 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

What is Bloodline Protection,

and Why Should You Want It?

by Nathan Ziegler

A lot of the phone calls I get each week are from people Protection from the 4 Ds:
who have reached a point in their lives where they know Another reason to establish a Trust instead of leaving
they need to take steps to protect what they’ve worked your assets to your loved ones outright in their own
so hard for. They’ve seen others (maybe even their own names, is that they could lose them when life happens
parents) lose everything they have due to the cost of … divorce, disability, debt and death. These unforeseen
long-term care. They’ve also heard the horror stories of circumstances can cause an inheritance to be lost. This can
inheritances falling into the wrong hands due to divorce, be avoided with the right Trust.
remarriage and creditors.
Their questions often boil down to “how can I protect Protections for Special Needs:
what I have – to ensure my quality of life before I pass, If you have a loved one with special needs, the right
and to protect my legacy so that it goes to the loved ones I Special Needs Trust can have a huge impact on their
intend to bless after I pass.” future quality of life. These Trusts protect your bloodline
by allowing you to leave an inheritance to your loved
In counseling my clients on the power of Trust planning, one with special needs without disqualifying them from
if you ask the right questions, the bottom line is: people benefits they may be receiving at the time of your passing
want bloodline protection for their family.
or may need in the future.
What is Bloodline Protection, In addition to the bloodline protections discussed above,
Trusts also offer powerful tax saving strategies to protect
and Why Should You Want It? all kinds of wealth. If you have a family farm or ranch,
or retirement plans and/or IRAs, the protection found in
Protection for the Family If the Trusts is especially important.
Surviving Spouse Remarries: So, if you’ve been wondering if a Trust could be right for
Many couples want to set guidelines as to what should you and your family, let us help you “get your ducks in a
happen to their shared assets, if after the death of the row.”
first spouse, the surviving spouse remarries. What would
happen to the savings the couple has built over their Call Nathan Ziegler & Associates
lifetime, if after wife passes away, husband remarries? today for a free consultation at
The inheritance could ultimately end up going to the new 806-765-8801.
wife’s children! The right Trust can guard against this First, we’ll listen to your goals, and then we’ll design a
happening. customized plan to help give you peace of mind in the
Protection for the Blended Family: second half of life.
For couples already in a blended family, it becomes
important to put in place Trust planning that clearly Nathan Ziegler the owner of Nathan Ziegler &
directs what assets go to the surviving spouse, when the Associates - an elder law and estate planning firm
first dies, and which assets are to go to which children. based in Lubbock, with satellite offices in Midland
With no planning, this can become a nightmare. The and Amarillo (available by appointment only).
right Trust planning brings clarity to a blended family
situation, so that there are no surprises.

Lubbock Senior Link 79