Estate Planning 101

An estate plan helps you take control of your future and your family’s future. Drafting an estate plan accomplishes several things. First, you decide what happens to your assets after you pass. This is what most people think of when they think of estate planning. But estate planning does much more. A properly drafted estate plan also means you decide what happens to you if you become incapacitated and who will make decisions on your behalf.

That’s not all, perhaps the most important role of an estate plan is planning for your children’s future without you. No one likes to think about not being there to raise their children. The truth is unfortunate things happen. By planning ahead, you decide who will take care of your minor children. You decide how your children will be cared for and who will administer any money you leave them. A complete estate plan gives you peace of mind.

Do I need an estate plan?

The short answer is yes. Many people believe that estate planning is just for older people or people who have a lot of money. The truth is not having an estate plan means you won’t be making decisions about what happens after you pass or if you become incapacitated. Instead, the court will take over and make those decisions for you.

Having an estate plan will help your grieving family avoid frustration, conflict, and the lengthy and expensive probate process.  For your assets it means division according to State law. It’s worse if you have minor children. If you die without the proper documents in place, the court decides who takes care for your children. This could mean a period with a foster family while the court reaches its decision on a permanent guardian. It could also mean your children growing up with a family that you would never have picked for them. An estate plans means that even if the courts must interfere, they are well informed of your wishes.

How we can help.

Why hire an attorney? DIYing your estate plan could mean invalid documents, probate, and DCF intervention. A qualified attorney will help take control of what happens if you’re not around giving you peace of mind.  At IGS Legal I focus on families with young children because I understand that making sure your kids are taken care of is your top priority.

The IGS Plan Approach.

My estate plan approach is dynamic because life changes. I send you a comprehensive questionnaire to better understand what your goals are for you and your family’s future. I follow up with a consultation to discuss your questionnaire, answer any questions, and go over what plan right for you. I draft the documents that carry out your estate planning goals. Once your estate plan is in place, I periodically review it implementing changes if any are needed.

Don’t wait, take control of your future today. To learn more, schedule a free call. email [email protected] or visit www.igslegal.com.

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