The term “estate planning” often makes a person think about things that he or she would rather not think of. All it really means is that you and your estate planning lawyer / attorney in Westminster are taking the action that is required to ensure that all your affairs are in order in the event of your death or in the event you become incapacitated. Estate planning does not have to be complex but there are a few “dos and don’ts” that should be taken into consideration.
Things that you need to do:
* Do your research: Although you will work closely with an attorney, you can and should done some preliminary research, this will get you to thinking what documents you might need and whether you should consider a living trust or a will. When you sit with your attorney you both will be in a better position to plan your estate properly.
* Do work with an attorney: You may think that your estate is so insignificant that you can specify your wishes without legal assistance; wrong. It is extremely important that the approach you take is in compliance with law of the state; a professional will see to it that everything and everyone is covered.
* Do have a will: If you want to avoid certain complexities associated with trusts then by all means, at least create a will. With a will you can decide well in advance who will get what and who will be assigned the responsibility of raising your children in the event they are minors when you die.
Things you don’t want to do:
There are two things that you don’t want to do; you don’t want to put estate planning off and don’t think that once you have dealt with it, that the process is over. It is always a good idea for you and your estate planning lawyer / attorney in Westminster to revisit your documents periodically, by doing this any changes will be taken care of and your will and/or trust will be kept current.
Your will or trust is the only way that you can be assured that your wishes will be satisfied upon your death. To discuss the particulars you will need to work closely with an estate planning lawyer / attorney in Westminster. You are invited to contact the Law Offices of Norman J. Homen.
