Many people put off their legal needs during life because they assume there will be time to handle their affairs later on. This may be the case, but it's best to have a proper plan in place so that you're always prepared for the unexpected. This is why it's worthwhile to hire an estate planning attorney during your lifetime. Keep reading to better understand the reasons as to why you should hire an estate planning attorney.
Have a Plan for Your Children
If you have children under the age of 18, you need to meet with an attorney. With an estate plan, you can have a plan for your children. This includes their care, future educational needs, and more. You can also leave behind money for their care and choose a trusted loved one to help out. Don't allow your state's laws to determine who will care for your children.
Decide How Your Assets Will be Given Away
When you die, your assets will be given away. Your state's laws will determine how this process is handled unless you have the right documents in place. The good news is that an estate planning attorney can help you plan for your asset distribution. This means you will get to decide who gets each item as well as your money.
Plan for Emergencies
You never know when an emergency may occur. With an estate plan, you can prepare for medical emergencies. This includes outlining how you wish certain medical choices to be handled as well as choosing trusted loved ones to handle your finances and medical needs if you're no longer able to. This is an important need to consider because medical emergencies happen when they're least expected.
Outline Funeral Wishes
An estate planning attorney can also help you outline funeral wishes. This will allow you to have complete control over your funeral so that your service fits you. It will also keep family members from having to make difficult decisions when they should be grieving. Your attorney can also help you pre-plan for costs associated with your funeral.
As you can see, hiring an attorney for estate planning needs is important. You want to make sure that you have a plan in place and your wishes are respected. If you have any questions about the planning process or certain documents, contact a local estate planning attorney such as Wayne E Janssen Atty to schedule a consultation and beginning talking about your needs.
