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3 Benefits of Consulting With an Estate Planner

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Planning for the future is a crucial aspect of financial security and peace of mind. Many people underestimate the importance of a comprehensive estate plan, thinking it’s only for the wealthy or the elderly. However, consulting with an estate planner can be beneficial for anyone, regardless of age or financial status. In this article, we will discuss the various benefits of seeking professional advice when crafting a robust estate plan.

1. Distribute Your Assets Correctly

Firstly, working with an estate planner ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. An estate planner comes equipped with the knowledge and expertise necessary to navigate complex inheritance laws, helping you craft a plan that minimizes disputes among beneficiaries. Without a proper estate plan, your assets might be distributed based on state laws rather than your personal wishes, potentially leading to family conflicts and prolonged legal battles.

2. Protect Your Assets

Secondly, an estate planner can help you minimize tax liabilities and protect your hard-earned wealth. They are well-versed in strategies to reduce estate taxes, ensuring that a larger portion of your wealth is passed on to your heirs. The long-term savings in reduced taxes and legal fees can far outweigh this initial investment. Thus, consulting with an estate planner can be a wise financial move.

3. Avoid the Probate Process

Another key benefit of consulting with an estate planner is avoiding probate. The probate process can be long, tedious, and expensive, often causing unnecessary stress for your loved ones. An estate planner can help you set up trusts and other mechanisms to ensure that your assets bypass probate, allowing for a smoother transition and quicker distribution to beneficiaries. This efficient transfer of assets can significantly relieve the burden on your family during a challenging time.

Consulting with an estate planner offers numerous benefits, from ensuring your wishes are honored to minimizing taxes and avoiding probate. The guidance of a professional can provide you and your family with peace of mind, knowing that your estate is in good hands. Investing in an estate plan may require an upfront cost, but the long-term advantages and financial security it provides make it a worthwhile consideration for everyone. According to CNBC, only about 33% of Americans have estate plans in place. However, an estate plan is a sound investment at any time.

Are you looking for an estate planner in Idaho? Here at Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC, we’ve helped families with estate planning for over 25 years. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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4 Services Estate Planning Attorneys Can Provide

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Estate planning is crucial to ensure your estate is handled per your wishes after death. Most people think estate planning only involves writing a will, and many don’t think they need one. However, there are several services estate planning attorneys can help you with. This article will review everything you need to know to ensure your wishes are respected.

1. Writing Wills

Estate planning lawyers are commonly utilized to help people draft wills. Wills are an essential part of the estate planning process, even if you don’t realize it. According to Caring.com, more than 30% of people without a will don’t think they have enough wealth to leave anything behind. However, wills can also address guardianship of children who get something particular, such as books or family heirlooms. This is a great way to ensure any property is handled like you want.

2. Understanding Laws

Working with an attorney is crucial when it’s time to plan your estate. A professional can give you legal advice to ensure your items are protected. For example, if you wish to protect your assets from frivolous family members, a lawyer can help you discover a way. These laws vary per jurisdiction, so seeking professional advice is essential to ensure everything goes to your desired heir.

3. Lowering Taxes

Inheritances are lovely, but it’s important to remember that many heirs must pay taxes on their inheritance. If you aren’t experienced and plan your estate alone, there’s a significant chance your heirs will pay higher taxes. A professional will help you discover ways to reduce your heir’s tax liability to quickly transfer wealth without giving substantial portions to the government.

4. Creating Trusts

Trusts are a standard tool to help protect your assets. A living trust can protect your assets while you are alive, and it can be used by your heirs to help learn wealth management. A trust is a beautiful tool upon your death to protect your assets and ensure they are handled how you want them. A professional can help you learn about trusts and establish the best one to suit your needs.

As professional estate planning attorneys, we understand that many people don’t think planning their estate is important. However, it’s crucial to avoid probate and ensure anything you own goes to the heir you would like it to. Contact us at Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC to schedule an appointment today.

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What to Know About Hiring Probate Attorneys

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A lot of people want to leave a legacy behind. Unfortunately, some don’t think that they will be leaving anything worthwhile. According to Caring.com, 30% of those who don’t have a valid will feel that way. Probate attorneys can help, but here are some things to know about hiring them.

They Can Help in a Lot of Ways

One of the best reasons to hire probate attorneys is to help you get access to the estate of the deceased a lot faster. They can reduce the time it takes to do the process from 24 months to as few as three months, as seen by our team. That’ll reduce a lot of stress among family members. When it comes to wills and estates, there can be a lot of infighting and conflict. An estate attorney can keep that to a minimum and prevent any power grabs by a particular family member. This is another way that they can smooth out the process and keep anyone from possibly dragging it out.

They Protect the Estate From Legal Claims

Any attorney you hire will have one other specific mission: protect the estate from any claims against it from other parties. Let’s say that someone wasn’t included in the will, and they feel that they should have been. The attorney will be a party that is fighting for the people already on the will, so that can speed matters along.

They Will Keep Your Paperwork and Finances Organized

There are several other things that they can do. They will make sure that all the paperwork has been properly done and submitted. They will resolve all debts and keep the estate from being rejected by the probate court. Most of all, they can help you save money, since the probate court can be very convoluted, and you don’t want to make a mistake and wind up having to pay more than you should have.

Dealing with things like wills and the handling of estates can be very emotional. There can be a lot of friction, and things can get heated. Having a member of the law there can help soothe tempers and get things back on track. That peace of mind will be worth it. Are you looking for probate attorneys in your area? We’re a firm that does all sorts of estate planning, elder law, and living wills. Contact Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC today to learn more.

How to Find the Right Estate Planning Attorney for You

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Obviously no one wants to think too much about death, but ignoring future planning tasks surrounding your death is a big mistake. Estate planning consists of all of the plans you need to make for your affairs to be handled once you pass away. Taking care of estate planning early in life is helpful for your family or friends who will attempt to handle your end-of-life details. According to Caring, about 60% of Americans have a retirement account, but only about 30% have an estate plan in place. An estate planning attorney can help you. Here are a few tips on choosing a good estate planning lawyer.

Ask Friends and Family for References

Word of mouth is still a great form of advertising. You should talk to friends and family members who have already successfully completed their estate planning. Ask them who they used and who they would not recommend. Sometimes it’s important to know who to avoid as well.

Read Reviews

Review sites can be extremely helpful when you are looking for a new business or service. Law firms get reviewed just like any other business. Look for reviews on reputable review sites such as Google reviews or legal review sites.

Schedule a Consultation

The really only tried and true way to know if you’ll like an attorney is to meet with them personally. You can schedule a consultation with an estate planning attorney in your area. These professionals will sit down with you discuss your goals and explain how their services work.

During the consultation, you should ask plenty of questions. You’ll want to know how much experience they have, and how long they’ve been doing estate planning. You’ll also want to get specific information concerning payments and how fees are handled.

Be Prepared

When you finally decide on an estate planning attorney, you need to be prepared with your information and the goals you hope for them to assist you with. There will be some work needed on your part to collect the necessary documents and information to pass on to the lawyer. They will be able to take this information and create a secure estate plan for you.

If you’re ready to get started on estate planning, please contact our law office today at Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC. Our team of legal professionals is ready to assist you.

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3 Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked

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Estate planning is a crucial aspect of planning for the future. Many individuals tend to overlook estate planning due to its association with contemplating one’s mortality and organizing one’s affairs. However, in today’s world, an increasing number of people are recognizing the importance of ensuring their affairs are in order to ease the burden on their loved ones. According to Caring.com, a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, younger Americans are now 63% more likely to have an estate plan in place compared to three years ago. In this article, we will debunk some common myths surrounding estate planning.

Myth 1: Estate Planning Is Only for Wealthy Individuals

This misconception often arises from the term “estate” being linked to large properties and extensive assets. However, in the context of estate planning, “estate” encompasses all your personal affairs that need attention after your passing. This can include your financial resources, property, assets, and even legal guardianship over others. Additionally, it pertains to any legal obligations, responsibilities, or details associated with your name.

After your passing, all these elements must be addressed, resolved, distributed, or supervised. Failing to engage in estate planning can lead to unnecessary complications for your family. Therefore, engaging an estate planning lawyer now is a considerate step toward ensuring your family’s well-being.

Myth 2: I Don’t Need an Estate Planning Lawyer

Many individuals make the grave error of assuming they can avoid the expense of hiring a lawyer for estate planning. However, the realm of estate planning and asset distribution is intricately entwined with numerous legal intricacies. To ensure that all aspects are adequately covered, you require the expertise of a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer.

Myth 3: Estate Planning Is Only for the Elderly

The truth is that estate planning is relevant for individuals of all ages. No one can predict when they will pass away, making it advisable to address this aspect of your financial and personal life as early as possible. Early planning allows for periodic reviews to accommodate life changes such as marriage or the birth of children. A skilled estate planning lawyer will guide you through these adjustments.

If you are seeking a local estate planning lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact Ketlinksi Law Office, PLLC. We would be delighted to assist you in this crucial matter.

Estate Planning and Divorce

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Unfortunately, divorce is extremely common today. According to the American Psychological Association, about 40% – 50% of all marriages will end in divorce each year. Divorce is a very stressful time. During such high stress times, it may prove difficult to remember all the second and third order effects of dissolving your marriage. One of the most important plans to review when a divorce is imminent is your Estate Plan.

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The Wonderful Benefits of Walking in Idaho

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Walking. It is one of the most effective ways to maintain your overall health as you age. It provides a myriad of benefits both physical and mental. Grab a buddy and walk. It can be your spouse, your neighbor, your children, a friend, your dog or any combination of these. If you don’t have a dog consider adopting a middle-aged slightly overweight pooch and both of you walk. Help each other to get more fit. Dogs are wonderful companions and can reduce your stress levels and they are dedicated to wanting to walk! Of course prior to embarking on a new walking program and particularly if you already have health complications talk to your physician first about how best to approach a walking routine. They may have important input or restrictions for you to consider.

Steady walking over time will help you to lose weight which can, in turn, lower your blood pressure, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and help your overall circulation. In the time it can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Walking helps you to build muscle tone in your legs and even in your abdomen. It is an excellent way to help prevent the loss of muscle mass that occurs with aging. As walking is weight bearing (you being the weight) it can also reduce the risk of bone loss. 

Another benefit to a regular thirty minute walk each day is an increase in balance and stability. It is well documented that falling down as we age can have disastrous consequences. As you walk you engage the hips, stomach and other muscles which keep the walking joints flexible. For anyone experiencing arthritis, it is important to keep moving and walking is a low impact activity that is good for your joints. The more you walk the better it can become for your balance, stability, and flexibility. 

You can also improve the quality of your sleep by walking. Many people find as they age that they have trouble with uninterrupted, restful sleeping patterns. Physical exertion (not exhaustion) is one of the keys to promote a good night sleep. The mental benefits of walking also aide in a balanced nights rest. The simple act of walking allows you to unwind your brain; no cell phones allowed unless for emergency purposes! Being out in the natural world helps your brain to reboot and stay young. It can slow mental decline which is a big factor for positive self esteem and confidence. If at all possible walk in nature rather than on a treadmill at the gym. On inclement weather days a treadmill is fine but the benefits for your mental well being are multiplied when out of doors. Remember to get your walking done in the daylight hours as exertion just prior to sleep does not promote restfulness and it can be dangerous to walk outdoors in the dark.

Aging and the advent of depression is a very real issue facing many seniors. Many are losing relatives and spouses, friends and co-workers. Loneliness can become a problem. Getting to doctors appointments might require someone to drive you. You may be facing money challenges or health insurance coverage problems. There are so many big decisions that come at you in a moment when you would just prefer things to stay the same and be predictable. This can all be overwhelming and can bring about serious depression. Walking is an aerobic activity and aerobic activities release endorphins into your system. Endorphins are the feel happy chemical of your body. The simple act of taking a walk on a daily basis can ward off depression as you age. 

So get yourself a good pair of sturdy shoes with a proper fit and get moving. It is one of the most important things you can do for your well being. Walking is wonderful for people of all ages but particularly seniors. It can help you physically, make you happier and keep you mentally sharp as you live out your retirement years.