Estate planning is an essential aspect of protecting yourself and your loved ones. Regardless of whether or not you’ve reached retirement age, it’s important to take care of your estate plan in advance. We simply never know what the future holds, so it’s best to be prepared today. If you’ve been Googling, “estate planning attorney near me,” you probably have some questions. Read on to learn more about why it’s so important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney who can help you navigate this important task.
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1) Ensure Your Will is Legally Binding
One of the most common reasons to seek the services of an estate planning attorney is to ensure that your will is actually legally binding. Unfortunately, when people try to write their own wills, they often make mistakes. A will that isn’t drafted properly won’t hold up in court and may, in fact, be entirely disregarded.
Another mistake people make is deciding not to create a will at all, or putting it off until it’s too late. This is just as problematic, of course, for obvious reasons. It leaves the court to determine how to distribute your assets and personal belongings.
If you don’t yet have a will, an estate planning attorney will be able to guide you through each step of the process to make sure that it’s legally binding and no mistakes are made.
2) To Prevent Family Disputes
Unfortunately, when individuals pass away without a clear estate plan, arguments often arise between family members. In order to avoid putting your loved ones in this painful situation, it’s best to hire a Livermore estate planning attorney to help you make your wishes as clear as possible.
3) To Select a Guardian For Dependent Children
Your estate plan is especially important if you have dependent children. You can use your estate plan to specify things like who would care for your children if something happened to you. Clearly, this is one of the most important aspects of estate planning for parents of minor children.
Related Content: Wills and Estate Planning Concerns for Parents
4) Ensuring Your Funeral Wishes are Carried Out
Some people don’t give much thought to their funeral, but if you have specific wishes, such as religious preferences, an estate planning attorney can help you include these details. For example, if you’d prefer to be cremated rather than buried, you can state your request in a legal document.
5) Naming an Executor For Your Estate
Another detail that your attorney will be able to help you with is naming a legal executor for your estate. This person will be tasked with ensuring that all of the beneficiaries of your estate receive their inheritance, and that your funeral wishes are carried out to your specifications.
Related Content: 3 Estate Planning Questions to Ask Yourself
Professional Estate Planning Services
So, if you’ve been searching for an “estate planning attorney near me,” you’re definitely on the right track. Contact Lewman Law at (925) 447-1250 to get started today. Or, click here for hours and location, as well as a contact form.
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