You never want to go it on your own when planning an
estate. Much like you would see a doctor when you are sick, a mechanic to fix
your car or a vet to heal your pet, estate planning requires the due diligence
and tenure of an experienced and vetted professional. A paralegal simply won’t
cut it. And going it alone is ill advised. Even attorneys do not plan their own
estates, as the old time saying rings true here: “A lawyer who represents himself
has a fool for a client.” If you are looking to protect your assets and your
wealth after you are gone from this earth with proper estate planning and asset protection in
place, here is why you want a lawyer.
1.
Properly drafted documents. Estate planning is a
meticulous process. It requires a fine toothed comb and a ton of experience to
properly implement. Poorly planned estates can run amuck of a judge in probate
court, and hang there in limbo for years as a result.
2.
Tax liability. Estate taxes are some of the
highest taxes that you will pay. They feed the federal pot and probably help
fund the paving of more highways each year than you can imagine. With an estate
planning attorney on your side, you can minimize tax liability by appropriately
structuring your estate.
3.
Your will, your way. Your estate will be
complex. You should be able to have your cake and eat it, too; even if you can’t
take it all with you. With proper estate planning, you can allocate how your
estate is divided. It is your estate, and when properly planned, it’s your
call.
4.
Avoiding will contestation. With an estate
planning attorney on your side, you can avoid the dreaded estate contestation. An
expertly written will is ironclad in a court of law. No matter who contests it,
it’s going to be exacted to your standards, even if you are gone.
5.
Peace of mind. Knowing that your estate is well
planned and that your wealth is safeguarded affords you peace of mind knowing
that you will leave this earth with your legacy intact.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.