The initial process of estate planning can be begun by gathering an inventory of all of your assets and liabilities and thinking carefully about some of the issues that you may want to have addressed in your estate plan. Many people initially turn to the prospect of creating their own estate plan as one easy way to solve many of the most common challenges. However, creating a DIY will or other documents are not without obstacles.
In fact, you could make substantial mistakes that could end up hurting you or your loved ones later on. It is far better to have a consultation with an experienced and dedicated estate planning lawyer who can guide you through the entire process and help you understand the holistic approach to your estate plan.
Some of the biggest benefits to working directly with an estate planning lawyer include:
- An attorney will be able to help explain alternative solutions to you so that you can ensure you are making the right decisions for your individual estate plan and make an individualized choice about what is most appropriate for you and your loved ones.
- You are able to ask a lawyer questions about any confusing issues or concerns that you might have about the estate planning process. These can be answered immediately while in the office with your estate planning lawyer.
- Your attorney can talk you through any legal terms that you don’t understand. Creating an estate plan is often not complex for the vast majority of individuals and families but can be if you are using advanced strategies. The ability to ensure that you understand the implications of every decision you make is important.
- Your lawyer will be familiar with changes in the law. You can anticipate that an estate planning lawyer has kept up to date with any changes in the state and federal landscape relating to your individual estate plan. This means you get the opportunity to make adjustments to your plan when necessary.
Whether you need to make revisions or create your very first draft of an estate plan, there are many reasons to have a lawyer assist with this process- let our Pasadena estate law office know you need help!
