The Importance of Estate Planning

The purpose of estate planning is to help you achieve your personal and family goals after you pass away. It ensures that your assets will end up in the hands of those people whom you wish them to go to so that you can reach your personal and financial goals even after you die. You also can reduce the amount of taxes paid by planning your estate in the right way to ensure that your heirs receive a more substantial inheritance.

Estate Planning Attorney

Know this; your state treasurer or an attorney may be the most significant beneficiaries when you pass on if you don't have an estate plan. Your family will be able to avoid unnecessary taxation and high payments to an attorney with estate planning and trusts. Proper estate planning by a probate lawyer doesn't have to cost a fortune, and it puts you in control of the division of assets. It gives you control from the grave on the disposition of your items besides saving dollars that you want to go to your family.
The saying that the only two sure things in life are death and taxes has existed for centuries. Death is certainty and something that must be faced, but people don’t like thinking about it. A plan for your estate consists of a set of documents that help you plan for taxes and death, and it is something that nearly everyone needs -- regardless of their financial and familial affairs are complex or simple.

Do You Want Probate Courts To Decide For You?

Many of these are problems most of us never think of during our lifetimes or are things that we simply choose not to believe. But if there is no plan in place, these issues are handled by the courts. It is therefore essential to have a plan in place so that you can decide for yourself the best choices for your family, such as who will care for minor children, who will receive your property, and who will finalize your affairs.

Naming an Executor

You also name an executor or executrix for the estate in the will. This is the person in charge of distributing the property at your demise. It is best to name an alternate if the primary executor is unable to do the job. You can use a spouse for this or a trusted child. This person overlooks the work of the attorney at the time of your death and arranges for the distribution of your property. If you worry about finding you'll want someone else later, don't. You can change any part of your will at any time.
Estate planning can be a somewhat complicated matter, and it does require good judgment to ensure that you achieve the outcomes you desire. It gives you a choice while you are alive to determine who, what, when, where and how your estate will be handled. It also allows for substantial savings when dealing with tax issues, court costs, and attorney fees. Planning your estate also helps your loved ones avoid the burden of having to deal with bureaucracy and confusion after you pass away.
Planning an estate can be a bit overwhelming. However, a lawyer specializing in estate plans has the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you through the process while. When you have a good plan in place, you are given the peace of mind knowing that all of your affairs will be handled as you wish after you leave this earth.
Learn more about attorney Sean J. Nichols and the legal services he provides for clients including: estate planning, elder law issues, Medicaid planning, elder care, probate law, guardianships, and power of attorney (POA) at www.seanjnichols.com.  To contact the offices of Sean J Nichols call 734.386.0224 today.