It happens in a single moment, and your entire future is changed forever. The passing of a loved one is never easy, even when their death is expected or imminent. Once the initial shock has passed, grieving loved ones are often left behind to deal with significant paperwork issues. In many cases, hospitals, schools, or other agencies, may demand paperwork that may be hard to obtain, and these entities might want it as soon as possible.
The ones left behind are juggling legal and financial issues alongside processing their grief and the emotional hole the loved one has left behind. One of the best things anybody can do for their loved ones is to prepare their legal and financial matters ahead of time. None of us ever really know when our final moments will be.
There are several benefits to planning for estate matters now. Suppose you have or know of others in your family that may cause trouble for those left behind. In that case, having properly drawn up paperwork will prevent disputes from arising and protect your loved ones from expensive legal battles. Suppose you know there is significant debt to be paid after the fact. In that case, you’ll want to make sure you have sufficient life insurance to cover it or your assets placed in such a way that will prevent creditors from seizing them. Over half of Americans, 55% of them, pass away without a properly executed will or estate plan.
Each state has unique rules regarding death, debt, and estate matters. These laws can have an impact on unknowing loved ones left behind. The freshness of the effect of loss will leave loved ones vulnerable to less than ethical debt collectors or others who may try to bully the loved ones into making choices without complete information. It is essential to plan your estate for all eventualities.
In addition, estate lawyers handling things now for you can also help you when your life circumstances change. Suppose you get divorced. What happens to your estate plans once this happens? Suppose you come into even more money than you did before. How should that be distributed? An attorney can walk you through these scenarios and work with you to come up with a solution.
Working with qualified estate planning attorneys can help ease your entire family’s legal and financial transition after death. They will be able to manage the situation far easier, giving you peace of mind.