No one wants to be in the position of discovering that a loved one did not have an estate plan. Unfortunately, when this happens, it can put your family in a very difficult situation in which they are unsure how to proceed. You can do your due diligence and make things easier for your loved ones by considering these issues well in advance.
Far too many families are caught off guard when a loved one passes away without a specific estate plan in the wake of a sudden tragedy. Establishing an estate plan early allows you to acknowledge these goals now and to create a plan for an estate plan that adapts as your life changes.
If you don’t have a plan, the state will be responsible for distributing your assets when you pass away and you might not necessarily have visions or goals in line with existing statutes. It is not always easy to talk to family members about these important issues around mortality but it is also key to think about how you can help to protect your surviving family members and eliminate conflict after you pass away.
Creating an estate plan alongside a knowledgeable lawyer will allow your loved ones to know your wishes when it comes to final arrangements, assets and medical care. Having an estate plan will allow your bereaved family members to focus on honoring your legacy and your memory and working through their grief rather than trying to sort out the legal details of your estate.
Do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with an estate planning lawyer who can help guide you through the creation of documents in line with your needs.
