Many people avoid thinking about estate planning and retaining an estate planning attorney. While the thought of death can be morbid, the thought of leaving your loved ones with no plan, no direction, and nothing ensuring your last wishes can also be troubling. Planning NOW can save your family stress and heartache. To ease this stress, you may want to consider scheduling an estate planning consultation with an attorney.
What Can an Estate Planning Attorney Help With?
Estate planning attorneys focus on state and federal laws related to estates, trusts, and probates. They can help create or update an estate plan that ensures your last wishes are respected. This is important for everyone, but especially those in high risk jobs (e.g., military and first responders) and older Americans. We proudly offer a 10% discount on estate planning for military (active or retired), law enforcement, and first responders. An estate attorney will help with:
- Creating a last will and testament.
- Creating an Advance Medical Directive and Power of Attorney.
- Creating or transferring assets to a trust.
- Designating beneficiaries.
Your attorney will explore your options and advise you on specific questions, such as how to employ trusts or how to create an estate plan that minimizes inheritance tax.
When Do I Need as Estate Attorney?
It often makes sense to retain an estate attorney when you want to create, review, or update your existing plan. Other instances include when you:
- Have a large or blended family.
- Have children or grandchildren with special needs.
- Think a family member may contest your will.
- Want to create a trust.
- Own a family business or investment properties.
- Are worried about estate or inheritance taxes.
- Have assets in other states or countries.
An estate planning attorney understands estate law, inheritance, and legal processes. An experienced, knowledgeable attorney will walk you through questions to find the right plan to suit your needs. If you want to create, review, or update your estate plan, please contact Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko today.
