As you tackle the subject of estate planning, you may have questions about what happens to excess money if you have already considered all the needs of your unique loved ones. After you have taken the necessary steps to minimize taxes and maximize the value of the assets you’re passing on to your loved ones, you will also want to contemplate what will happen to the remaining assets. 

Giving things away to charity is a worthwhile philanthropic goal and one that should be considered carefully with the help of a knowledgeable estate planning attorney. The manner in which you pass on assets to charities requires careful consideration of the intersection of your philanthropic goals and tax issues. By choosing to pass on certain assets to charities instead of others, you may maximize your tax benefits while also ensuring that the charity receives as much as possible of the assets you have carved out and set aside in your estate plan.

Your community may play an important role in your individual life and you can use your estate planning documents to further articulate what you want your legacy to be after you have passed away. Scheduling a consultation with an experienced estate planning attorney in your area allows you to walk through the various opportunities available to you and select one that is in line with your individual and community based goals.