Signing Your Estate Plan Documents is Just the Beginning
Signing your estate plan is just the first step
Whether simple or complex, having an expertly prepared will or trust is very important, and the relief you feel once your documents are signed and placed in a fireproof safe is rewarding. You’ve put into writing your wishes for your future, your family, and your assets – but that is just step one in the process. Don’t be swayed by the many “click bait” do it yourself options.
Wills and Trusts must be aged like fine wine
Fine wines created by experienced vintners, if properly cared for, become better over time. But what happens to your $500 bottle wine if not properly stored and watched over? You end up with a bottle of vinegar. In estate planning terms, if you don’t review your plan documents frequently to make sure there have been no changes in your circumstances or law that affect your plan, you could end up with insufficient protection for your estate, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of your intended beneficiaries or worse, leaving a lawsuit behind.
A functional estate plan is living thing
Even expertly drafted documents need to be dusted off and reviewed periodically. Has the law changed? Has anyone named in your will or trust died, moved overseas, become incapacitated, divorced, had children, or had any other change in circumstance that might change Wi your wishes? Experienced attorneys will recommend regular reviews to confirm your documents are still viable.
Nothing is certain but death and taxes
Annual or regular reviews by estate planning attorneys will protect your assets from changes in tax and other inheritance laws. Don’t rely on social media and artificial intelligence for your legal advice. Only an estate planning attorney will look at your entire estate, stay up-to-date with changes in the law, and most important – help you make careful decisions.
Invest now to avoid paying more later
Challenged probates and court litigation are going to cost your estate and your loved ones so much more than keeping your estate plan up to date with the help of attorneys who specialize in this area.
The bitter truth
Just like your curated wine collection, your legacy needs a secure foundation, attention and care to serve you and your loved ones over time.
Call Wool Landon to help you create and watch over your legacy. Wool Landon attorneys have been serving our community as experts in Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate, and related litigation for decades.