Estate planning can seem like a lot of work, and there are indeed many components to creating an estate plan. However, you can make the process easier by taking small steps over time, rather than trying to tackle the entire task all at once. The following three tips can help you improve your estate planning and ensure that you and your family will be secure and happy in the future:
1. Revise Your Will
When it comes to estate planning in Scottsdale, AZ, your will is an incredibly important part of your estate plan and can help ensure that your wishes are carried out after you’re gone. Make sure your will is up to date with your current and intended plans. If you haven’t thought about it in a while, take a moment to go over everything and then consult with an estate planning attorney about any changes you might need to make.
2. Create a Living Trust
A living trust is a legal document that helps keep your assets and property out of probate court after your death. When you die, it allows you to bequeath some or all of your property to loved ones via a successor trustee without going through formal probate. Make sure your heirs know where important documents are located, such as copies of their birth certificates, Social Security cards, and marriage licenses. Consider making digital copies and storing them in secure locations online and offline.
3. Get Professional Help
An experienced lawyer can help you put together an estate plan that meets your goals, within any legal constraints you may have. Put together a shortlist of goals for your estate—your family’s needs after you pass away, for example—and let your lawyer steer you through options to ensure those goals are met. Remember, estate planning is about more than preparing for death; it can help with issues like divorce and underage children as well.