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Estate Planning for Kids

Creating a Safety Net for When You’re Not There to Protect Them

Becoming a parent means doing everything you can to love and protect another human being. It’s evident in all the research you did when you purchased your child’s first car seat, or the precautions you took the first time he or she went swimming or rode a bicycle.

The same level of care should be taken when making your estate plan. Putting your intentions on paper will help secure a safer future for your children when you aren’t there to protect them yourself. This plan should include provisions for:

Minor children. Use your will to name a guardian for any minor children. If you are married, your spouse will likely raise your children if you pass away first, but also take into consideration what could happen when he or she passes away. You may also wish to place the assets you want your children to inherit in a trust until they are older. This prevents court battles if a judge has to name someone as their conservator.

Assets and property. Spelling out the distribution of assets to your children will ensure they receive what was intended for them. Remember, assets aren’t only items with financial value. Sentimental items—like heirlooms and family photos—can be noted and passed to your children, as well.

An executor. If your children are of legal age, you can appoint them as executors, or choose a trusted friend or family member.

Beneficiary designations. Life insurance, annuities, retirement benefits and IRAs are usually payable to a named beneficiary and do not pass under your will. Review and update these documents—adding your children’s names or a trust for their benefit—to make certain assets are left to your intended heirs.

Child Free?

Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of your marital status, income or age. If you don’t have children to plan for in your estate, consider the following questions: 

  1. How would you like your assets distributed?
  2. Who will make health and financial decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able?
  3. Who will care for you in the event of illness or disability?
  4. Are there charitable organizations you wish to support?

Make Your Plan Work for Physicians for Social Responsibility, Too

When creating or updating your estate plan, consider including a gift to PSR. We would be glad to work with you on solutions that meet your giving needs. Please contact Christine Herrmann at 202-587-5239 or cherrmann@psr.org for more information on how you can get started.

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The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results. Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Physicians for Social Responsibility a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

I hereby give and bequeath ($______, or ______ percent of the rest, remainder and residue of my estate, or the proceeds from the sale of real estate that I own located at ________ by my estate) to Physicians for Social Responsibility, a nonprofit corporation exempt from Federal taxation under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, currently located at 1111 14th St NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005, Federal tax identification number 23-7059731 for its general purposes.

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to PSR or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate, or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the gift tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and receive an immediate federal income tax charitable deduction. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to PSR as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and receive an immediate federal income tax charitable deduction. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to PSR as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and PSR where you agree to make a gift to PSR and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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