It might seem a bit morbid or uncomfortable to think about, but estate planning is just another part of life. When you plan out your estate, either by creating a will, trust or both, it is important to avoid making some typical mistakes.
Failing to leave behind a trust or will is truly a huge mistake. This leaves a giant mess behind for your family to deal with. Keep in mind that if you die without final directives, the state will hand the distribution of your estate. The way they distribute your assets may be contrary to the way you actually wanted it. The state will simply use its own guidelines during probate.
Creating a will is important, but it isn't that helpful if your directives are unclear. It is important to create a document that very clearly states your wishes. While you might have had a variety of conversations with relatives over the years as to your wishes, a well-crafted will or trust will leave no doubt as to what you want to happen, regardless of what family or friends might contend.
Another mistake people make is thinking that planning your estate is just about what happens when you die. But it is important to think about what you want to happen in a variety of medical situations. You need to leave medical directives, as well as directives as to your estate distribution. This will assist your family in a crisis, and it can help to alleviate stress and disagreements in very difficult situations.
While you can create a will yourself, this is generally not the best way to go. Wills are not particularly complicated documents, but to truly ensure that you have a solid, legal will, it is best to contact an experienced Arizona attorney who specializes in estate planning. They can help you create your will and a trust, which can be a huge benefit to your heirs. Well-crafted estate planning is far less likely to be contested, and your final wishes are far more likely to be carried out exactly how you wished. You also can use the attorney as your executor or as your trustee, which alleviates the burden from grieving family members.
It might seem too expensive to hire an attorney, but typically these costs are worth it. This is because laws are constantly changing, and each state has its own laws. To wade through the complexity of estate law, you really do need an attorney. Also, consider that by completing your estate planning, you relieve a huge burden from your family. They will understand your wishes regarding medical care, funeral arrangements and how your estate is to be divided.
Once you have created estate plans, be sure to meet with your attorney every two or three years. Because your estate might have changed, as well as applicable laws or even your family itself, it is important to keep these documents as up to date as possible.
Failing to leave behind a trust or will is truly a huge mistake. This leaves a giant mess behind for your family to deal with. Keep in mind that if you die without final directives, the state will hand the distribution of your estate. The way they distribute your assets may be contrary to the way you actually wanted it. The state will simply use its own guidelines during probate.
Creating a will is important, but it isn't that helpful if your directives are unclear. It is important to create a document that very clearly states your wishes. While you might have had a variety of conversations with relatives over the years as to your wishes, a well-crafted will or trust will leave no doubt as to what you want to happen, regardless of what family or friends might contend.
Another mistake people make is thinking that planning your estate is just about what happens when you die. But it is important to think about what you want to happen in a variety of medical situations. You need to leave medical directives, as well as directives as to your estate distribution. This will assist your family in a crisis, and it can help to alleviate stress and disagreements in very difficult situations.
While you can create a will yourself, this is generally not the best way to go. Wills are not particularly complicated documents, but to truly ensure that you have a solid, legal will, it is best to contact an experienced Arizona attorney who specializes in estate planning. They can help you create your will and a trust, which can be a huge benefit to your heirs. Well-crafted estate planning is far less likely to be contested, and your final wishes are far more likely to be carried out exactly how you wished. You also can use the attorney as your executor or as your trustee, which alleviates the burden from grieving family members.
It might seem too expensive to hire an attorney, but typically these costs are worth it. This is because laws are constantly changing, and each state has its own laws. To wade through the complexity of estate law, you really do need an attorney. Also, consider that by completing your estate planning, you relieve a huge burden from your family. They will understand your wishes regarding medical care, funeral arrangements and how your estate is to be divided.
Once you have created estate plans, be sure to meet with your attorney every two or three years. Because your estate might have changed, as well as applicable laws or even your family itself, it is important to keep these documents as up to date as possible.
About the Author:
Julio Arrant enjoys writing and discussing estate planning issues. For further details about estate planning Tucson lawyers or to find out more about a Tucson probate attorney, please check out the TucsonEstateLaw.com website today.
