68% of Americans die without a will. Is that you? You know it’s essential, but you’ve kept putting it off. You know that you should plan your estate. But you’re not sure you even need one.
Estate planning sounds complicated. You don’t know where to begin. You feel uncomfortable planning for the inevitable. You fear making a plan will awaken the Grim Reaper.
Many people feel that way when creating their estate. But, hiring an estate planning lawyer avoids confusion among your surviving heirs.
Creating your estate documents doesn’t only apply to your death. Your estate gives instructions for making decisions while you’re still living.
Is there more to estate planning than dividing up your assets? Can you write your will without an attorney? Do you want to decide how your estate gets parceled out? Do you want some of your estate to go to your favorite charity?
Keep reading. Learn how estate planning helps you and your family.
Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer
Your estate comprises everything that makes up your net worth. But, estate planning is less about your assets and more about your wishes.
When you die without a will –dying “intestate”– the government divides up your assets. Your estate gets dispersed according to state and federal law.
Creating a plan for your estate enables you to avoid probate court, saving your loved ones time and money. A planned estate tells the court your wishes. Otherwise, the state does what it wants.
Estate planning determines what to do if you become disabled or incapacitated. The best estate planning lawyers assign power of attorney covering unexpected life events.
You want to ensure your loved ones can act on your behalf. A good estate plan includes:
- Will
- Trusts
- Power of Attorney
- General Assignment
- Guardianship Nomination
- Medical Directive
An attorney knows the intricacies of the law. Their expertise is invaluable for navigating the maze of legalese. They ensure your estate gets handled according to your wishes.
If you’re missing a signature or lacking a specific number of witnesses, your will is void. The best estate planning attorneys help you avoid this problem.
Planning For the Unexpected
Life doesn’t give guarantees. In an instant, a catastrophic event can change your life and the lives of those you love. Death is not a respecter of persons. People mistakenly think they aren’t old enough to need to consider estate planning.
Failing to make provisions leaves your family vulnerable to the decisions of the state—important decisions like determining guardianship of your children or a special needs relative.
You Deserve to Have Your Say
Estate planning gives you a voice in court after you die. Handwritten wills get contested. You may not have much, but don’t you want to decide who gets your wares?
You don’t want the state dividing things according to their whims. Consult with an estate planning lawyer. You want to spare your loved ones the hassle of probate.
Check out our website. Let us take a load off your mind.
