You are alive now!! After you are dead even the best lawyers can’t figure out a way for you to create and sign your Will or create a trust, or do anything else.- You want to be remembered as smart. No matter how many degrees you have hanging on the wall, how many books you’ve written, how much money you’ve made, if you haven’t done an estate plan, you won’t be remembered as smart—even by those who got what you didn’t want them to get, as they laugh all the way to the bank—or take that Hawaiian vacation.
- Thinking or talking about what you want or don’t want someone to get when you die, doesn’t count. Estate and trust litigation lawyers make a lot of money as family, friends and others argue about what people said they wanted to have happen but never put in a valid will or trust.
- Thinking a beneficiary deed solves your problems is almost always wrong. Beneficiary Deeds are instruments that affect real property. In effect they say: “When I die I want [insert name or names here] to get this piece of property.” The problem is, most people don’t think about what happens if the beneficiary dies first. Or, if the property is left to more than one person, what that does to the title and the ability to resell the property, especially if a beneficiary dies. Or, what happens if the beneficiary dies and that son- or daughter-in-law who you never really cared for ends up with the property. There are many other problems that beneficiary deeds create.
- You’ll worry less , and live longer–hopefully. Stress is an inducement to disease. A large percentage of our clients, once the estate planning is done, say, “I feel so much better. This has been weighing on me for a long time.”
- You’ll keep attorneys from taking more of your estate. See number 3, above. Additionally, often probate can be completely avoided if you have a trust and put your assets inside the trust. There are a myriad of trusts, and a good estate planning lawyer can help you decide if a) a trust is appropriate in your circumstance, and b) what kind of trust works best for you.
- They say that you can’t take it with you, but that is only true of things. Taking care of your family and responsibilities allows you to take peace of mind to the grave.
- If you are in the mood for revenge, this is the perfect tool! You really can get even with some people from the grave.
- With the guidance of a seasoned and ethical estate planning attorney, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to have a will or trust. “Relative” is the key word. The planning process can be more involved and expensive if you have a complex family situation such as a blended family, special needs children or grandchildren, a large estate, estate tax issues, children out of wedlock, children from a previous marriage, irresponsible children or grandchildren, exceptionally gifted children or grandchildren, relatives who might need help, etc. But it won’t be nearly as involved, cumbersome and expensive (both financially and emotionally) as if you were to die without a well-drafted will, trust or trusts.
- And last, but not least, you’ll finally have the last word. You can keep that ornery son- or daughter-in-law from ever getting a penny of your estate.
The foregoing addresses taking care of your estate when you die. But there are many other considerations to a good estate plan. What happens if you, your spouse or significant other becomes disabled? What if you are unable to make your own medical decisions, because of medical conditions? Who can sign legal papers for you, if you are incapacitated, or missing? What do you want to have happen if you are on life support? What if you have substantial assets in IRAs or other retirement plans? These and many other matters are addressed as we assist people plan their estate.
Give us a chance to help you be smart and do what’s right—for love or revenge. Don’t delay. You’ll find our attorneys and staff well-qualified, and understanding of your needs. And you’ll also find our services reasonably priced. DO IT NOW. CALL TODAY: 1(480) 733-6800 for an appointment with one of our estate planning attorneys.
You’ll be glad you did. Charlie Davis, Founding Partner
