Let’s say you understand how important it is to have an estate plan, and you made your New Year’s resolution to get one put in place. That’s wonderful! Now, what steps can you take to make sure that your estate plan will be successful?
Here are three tips that may help you.
- Hire Competent Estate Planning Counsel.
It goes without saying that the first thing you want to do is to make sure that your will and trust are legal so your wishes will be carried out and your estate will not have to go through the expensive and time-consuming process of probate. The best way to be certain that your estate plan documents will be correct, up-to-date, complete, and enforceable, is to meet with competent and experienced estate planning counsel.
Lawyers who practice in the area of trusts and estates are completely familiar with the laws governing estates and the specific rules of your state. They know how to make sure that all the contingencies are provided for, and they are used to counseling clients on sensitive issues. A trusts and estates attorney will make sure that your plan is complete.
- Know What Property You Have.
Another way you can make sure your estate plan is a successful one is to prepare a list of all of the property you have. This is because an estate plan must include all of the property that you own in order to be successful. This may sound simple when it comes to cars and real estate, but oftentimes other types of property get overlooked. Be certain to review everything you own including (not limited to):
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Securities
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance
- Business interests
- Collections
- Pending and future inheritances, and even,
- Digital property.
If you choose to create a Legacy Estate Plan, then our estate planning attorneys will be sure to ask questions and compile a list of all of your property for you during one of our free consultations.
- Think About Your Goals and Objectives.
The legacy you leave behind is more than just money. It also includes your values. You might want to use your assets to secure your family’s future, you might want to support a charity, or you might want to make sure that your favorite 17-hand Dutch Warmblood is kept in a state of the art barn with a lifetime full of carrots when you go. Give careful thought to your wishes and goals before you have your estate plan drafted, including the needs of your family members.
Take the time to think about what your goals are and what you want to accomplish based on your unique situation. Consider who you want to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make them for yourself. Think about who you would want to raise your young children if you are no longer here. Give some thought to the needs of any family members who may be living with disabilities Again, if you decide to make a Legacy Estate Plan, then these are the types of questions and thought process our attorneys at Esser, Bradley & Khalsa will go through with you during one of our free consultations.
Many things go into making a successful estate plan, but above all, you must give careful consideration to your unique circumstances, desires and goals.
We Are Here to Help You!
We Are Estate Planning Attorneys. We have offices in Sedona and we serve Verde Valley as well as all of Arizona. We offer free consultations and we can help you with your estate planning needs. Contact us to set up your free appointment.
