Overwhelmed by Estate Plans? You Don’t Have to Be.

agony.jpgEstate and end-of-life planning are topics that often put people on edge. Maybe they make you feel uncomfortable or anxious, or maybe they seem too overwhelming and complicated to think about.

It does not have to be this way.

Here are a few suggestions on how to minimize discomfort and maximize results:

Building a strong foundation

When you create any type of plan, start with the basics to build a solid foundation. In the context of estate planning, the basic planning documents include a will, powers of attorney, and health care directives that set out how your assets should be distributed and who should make decisions on your behalf.

Taking it step by step

Estate planning is not something you must do all at once. Start by figuring out what you want to protect and what critical roles you want to fill. Then, as your circumstances change over time, you can go back to your plan and edit and revise. Also, as you get more comfortable and engaged in the process, you can discuss more complex matters and solutions.

Having support along the way

Too many people put off estate planning because it seems complex and overwhelming. And indeed, it can be when you are unfamiliar with the legal process and elements of an estate plan. However, you do not have to figure it all out on your own; you don’t have to understand legalese or how to utilize planning strategies that benefit you most. You can work with an attorney who has the knowledge and background in these areas that you do not.

Before you put off creating an estate plan for yet another day, stop and think about what you can do now to make it easier to get this done. Starting with the basics, taking it one step at a time and working with an experienced attorney can all be effective ways to do this.

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