Hiring an estate planning attorney is a great first step in preparing for your future. Why do you need to hire an attorney for estate planning?
Estate planning can be an important decision. You make this decision because you want to avoid problems that might arise after death or the threat of death. Estate planning is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. And following are some reasons why you need a good estate planning attorney.
- To save your heirs from unnecessary costs and headaches
Your estate plan will protect your family and help prevent them from future problems. Estate planning can help your family avoid the costs, time, and stress of probate court by avoiding state-required court procedures, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
- To make sure that you have a valid last will
A valid will is the first step in writing a comprehensive estate plan. The courts will not accept a will that was written by someone else. It has to be written by your hand. And because everyone’s situation is unique, everyone should consult an attorney before they finalize their estate plans, including their beneficiaries and what they are leaving behind.
- Knowledge of the estate laws
There are a variety of estate law issues to consider when preparing your estate plan. You need an attorney who can offer dependable advice based on legal experience in the field of estate planning, as well as sound judgment based on the character and integrity of the attorney.
- To avoid costly mistakes
If you don’t prepare a thorough estate plan, then you may need to go through a court process to identify the assets and debts that are legally yours. If you fail to identify an asset, then your heirs could be forced to pay back the debt. And if you fail to take care of certain debts, that depletes the value of certain assets. You can also mess up your beneficiary designations if you don’t pay attention.
- To create a solid estate plan
By preparing a well-thought-out estate plan, you are taking an active role in your future and the future of your family. You may create an estate plan by yourself, but unless you have the knowledge and experience in estate planning, it may not be your best choice.
- Resolve complicates estate planning circumstances
There may be some circumstances that make estate planning a little different than the average person might expect. You should consult with your attorney because you may have to make some changes to your plan.