5 Things That May Be Impossible to Do Without an Estate Planning Attorney on Your Side
It's no secret that life is unpredictable. You never know when something bad will happen. That's why it's important to have an estate planning attorney on your side, just in case something happens and you need someone to help you navigate through the legal process and properly plan your estate. Estate planning attorneys help you plan for the unexpected and make sure your wishes are respected no matter what. Here are five things that may be hard to do without an estate planning attorney on your side:
1. Creating a Will
A will is a document that states who should inherit your assets after you die. It also allows you to name an executor, who will be responsible for carrying out your final wishes. Without a will, the state will decide who gets your property and assets — not necessarily who you would have chosen. The will is supposed to be legally binding and stand in court if need be, and consulting with an attorney can help make sure you write one that does.
2. Naming a Guardian for Your Children
Do you have a plan to make sure your children are cared for in case there's some unforeseen occurrence? An estate planning attorney can help you name a guardian in case of tragedy. This ensures that your kids will be under someone who'll perform the parental role on your behalf.
3. Creating a Living Trust
A living trust is a document that lists all of your important belongings and assigns someone to manage them if something happens to you. This can include property, money, and even pets. Having a living trust in place can make things much easier for loved ones during an emotionally difficult time. Without an attorney, it may be difficult to create a living trust that meets all of the legal requirements.
4. Planning for Incapacity
What happens if you become unable to make decisions for yourself? An estate planning attorney can create documents like power of attorney or health care proxies which will allow others to make decisions on your behalf if needed. This can be a huge relief for both you and your loved ones, knowing that there is a plan in place in case of incapacity.
5. Navigating Probate
After someone dies, their assets go through the probate process before heirs can inherit. This can be a lengthy and complicated process, but an estate planning attorney can help make it go more smoothly. They can also help if there are any disputes among heirs during probate.
By working with an estate planning attorney, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones will be taken care of no matter what happens. Contact one today to get started on your estate plan.