When most people think about their future plans, they imagine family events, vacations or milestones. But fewer people think about the less glamorous – but vital – aspect of future plans: getting their ducks lined up with an attorney who specializes in estate planning. This mastermind behind-the scenes can be instrumental in bringing peace of mind to you and your loved one. Let’s reveal why having an estate planning attorney on your side is like winning the lottery for your future.
You’re all set to conquer the globe on a Monday morning. A curveball is thrown by life. Who will manage your property if you are suddenly incapacitated to do so? This isn’t about having a divvy-up of your vintage coin collection. It’s an intricate dance of wills, powers-of-attorney, healthcare directives, and trusts. An estate planning attorney can help navigate these difficult waters and chart a course that is best suited for you.
To begin with, imagine an estate planning attorney like a master chef. They are skilled in the art of blending ingredients such as legal knowledge and the needs of the client to produce a safe estate plan. These attorneys are prepared to prevent disasters from occurring, like family disagreements over inheritances and unanticipated taxes devouring your assets.
Imagine you own a Picasso. How can you (without using “ensure”) ensure that your art-savvy daughters inherits your Picasso without starting World War III? It gets complicated–the lawyer fine-tunes your will to make sure it is as private as possible or establishes a trust.
Trusts aren’t just for the Rockefellers. Set up a Trust for your Special Needs Child or Pet Poodle. Your attorney can craft a trust just as unique as the secret pie recipe of your grandmother, and ensure (oops! I used “ensure” once again!) Your wishes will always be respected.
And oh! You may have wondered what will happen to your series if you suddenly decide to die while binge watching them. The power of attorneys (POA) is an important planning tool. It may be humorous, but you can’t ignore its importance. This is like giving your steering wheel over to a friend you trust when you cannot drive. You don’t want to trust fate or your less reliable relative Bob to take care of your affairs when you become incapacitated. Instead, you should entrust someone who has the ability to make rational decisions to do so.
Let’s update your estate plan. Like updating your wardrobe to accommodate the changing circumstances of your life (because, let’s be honest, neon windbreakers in the 1990s are not coming back), you should also update your estate planning. Marriage, divorce and births can all throw the best laid plans into disarray.
It’s like buying the best tickets at a concert. Although you can stand at back and get a peek, isn’t having the best seats in front better? Having a legal expert on your side is like having a front-row seat. They can give you direct insights, cutting through the legalese.
Some say a good laugh can do wonders for your spirit. So too, a lively conversation with your attorney about estate planning. Engagement with an estate planning attorney should not be cold or transactional. It should feel like talking to an old friend about your touchdown game plan, except that the outcome of this game will determine how well you transfer the ball from your lifetime’s work.