The best way to ensure the answer to this question is a resounding “Yes!” is to hire experienced estate planning attorneys at Tresp Law, APC. Estate planning is an ever-changing legal landscape, and the applicability of these laws to your individual situation depends on a multitude of factors. The professionals at Tresp Law are here to help you navigate this often-impenetrable terrain.
Here are some of the most common estate planning pitfalls that our team at Tresp Law, APC can help you avoid:
Not creating an estate plan at all.
We get it! Nobody likes thinking about this kind of thing. We don’t want to contemplate illness or an untimely death. We think we’ll have plenty of time, we’ll handle it “later.” But how does the old saying go? Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Do your loved ones a favor and make sure they are well provided for, both financially, and by ensuring that that probate or trust administration process is as smooth and painless as possible.
Not updating your estate planning documents after major life changes.
Marriage, children, divorce, your children becoming adults, moving to a different state – make sure your estate is up to date!
Not making arrangements for the future of your minor children.
So you have your financial affairs in order, but what happens to your minor children if you and your spouse are gone? Once again, this is not something anyone ever wants to envision. And it feels like an impossible choice – no one will ever be the perfect fit to replace you. But back to grandma’s wise words – better to be safe than sorry. This counts for fur-babies too!
Not having a power of attorney, advanced health care directives, release of confidential medical records, etc.
Not only do we need to plan for death, we also need to plan for incapacity. These documents will allow your loved ones to get around HIPAA and manage your affairs with minimal headache should you no longer be able to do so.
Trying to “DIY”.
Attempting to avoid all of the potential pitfalls above and many more without professional help is a risky endeavor. Instead, let us help you!
The moral of the story is, call Tresp Law, APC today at (858) 248-2779 to assure your estate planning documents will hold up.
