3 Benefits of Consulting With an Estate Planner

Posted by admin on November 28, 2024

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.

3 Signs You Might Need a Probate Attorney

Posted by Ty Ketlinski on October 1, 2024

The loss of a loved one is always a difficult time, and the complex legal processes that follow can add to the stress. Probate, the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s estate, may seem overwhelming for those unfamiliar with it. A probate attorney can help navigate this intricate process, ensuring that the decedent’s wishes are honored and their affairs are properly managed. Here are some signs that you might need a probate attorney.

1. Absence of a Will

One clear indication that you might need a probate attorney is if the deceased did not leave a will. Without a will, the estate is considered “intestate,” which can lead to complexities as state intestacy laws dictate how the estate is distributed. This often requires interpretation and guidance from a legal expert to ensure all assets are appropriately handled and heirs receive what they are entitled to.

2. Lack of an Estate Plan

According to CNBC, 67% of Americans do not have an estate plan in place, which can cause many problems for the loved ones they leave behind. Without an estate plan, resolving matters such as debt settlements, asset distribution, and even personal wishes can become highly contentious. A probate attorney can mediate these disputes, ensuring a fair and legally sound resolution is achieved.

3. Contested Wills and Beneficiary Disputes

Another important sign is the existence of contested wills or disputes among beneficiaries. If family members or other beneficiaries disagree on the terms of the will, or claim the will is invalid, this can lead to protracted legal battles. A probate attorney specializes in resolving such disputes, helping to avoid unnecessary conflicts and ensuring the probate process proceeds smoothly and efficiently.

Probate can be a convoluted and trying process. If you find yourself dealing with intestacy, a lack of an estate plan, or contentious disputes among beneficiaries, securing a probate attorney is important. Their expertise can safeguard against mismanagement and disputes, ensuring that the deceased’s estate is handled with the care and respect it deserves. By recognizing these signs early, you can make informed decisions to protect the interests of all parties involved. Be sure to reach out to Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC today for consultation from a top probate attorney.

4 Services Estate Planning Attorneys Can Provide

Posted by admin on July 31, 2024

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.

4 Reasons to Hire an Estate Planning Attorney

Posted by Ty Ketlinski on May 20, 2024

Most people don’t want to think about death, and this is one of the main reasons why estate planning often gets put off for prolonged periods of time. Another reason people put off this important job is because they think that estate planning is only for the very wealthy. According to Caring.com, over 30% of people without a will don’t believe they have enough wealth to leave behind. In reality, this is a crucial type of future planning that everyone needs to take care of, no matter how much money you have and no matter how uncomfortable it makes you. An estate planning attorney can help you with this challenging task. Here are a few benefits of working with this professional.

1. Estate Planning Knowledge

You should work with a lawyer because they will have the estate planning knowledge necessary to get your affairs in order. There are a lot of legal details that go into even a simple will with few assets. If you have more assets or a good bit of wealth, it’s even more important that you have your details in order. This can prevent any confusion or legal issues in the future when you pass away.

2. Professional Advice

Another important service that an estate planning attorney can provide to you is professional advice. Estate planning involves many moving parts and one size doesn’t fit all. This professional will be able to offer you advice based on your particular set of circumstances. They may be able to answer complicated questions for you and help guide you on what decisions would be best for your wealth, assets, and other topics.

3. Industry Resources and Connections

In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, an attorney will also have access to industry resources that can make estate planning easier and simplified. They will have access to professional connections in other industries that may be able to assist you.

4. A Helping Hand Along the Way

One of the most beneficial things that an attorney can offer you is a helping hand along the way. For many people, estate planning is an emotional task. You are forced to take inventory of your entire life and face the reality of death. These are heavy topics to handle. These professionals have spent years helping people walk this path and they can help you too.

These are just a few of the benefits you’ll see when you hire an estate planning attorney. If you’re looking for legal professionals in your area, please contact us today at Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC.

What to Know About Hiring Probate Attorneys

Posted by admin on March 26, 2024

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

Posted by admin on November 27, 2023

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.

3 Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked

Posted by admin on September 25, 2023

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.

How to Talk to Loved Ones About Estate Planning

Posted by Ty Ketlinski on July 21, 2023

Talking to a loved one about estate planning can be a challenging and emotional topic. Many people don’t like to discuss the topic of a loved one’s mortality, but it’s essential to ensure that your loved one’s estate is handled exactly how they would like. Follow these tips and tricks when discussing this topic.

Pick a Time and Place

There’s a time and place for everything. Taking your loved one to an estate planning lawyer and expecting them to be open to the conversation immediately is not the way to do that. Instead, choose an ideal time, such as mid-afternoon. This should be a private conversation, not one held in a restaurant or at a family get-together. Consider meeting with a family member at their home for brunch to discuss that it’s time to start estate planning.

Always Show Compassion

Talking about estate planning forces someone to confront their own mortality. This can be challenging and upsetting for anyone who has not yet faced this inevitable fact. Because of that, it’s essential always to show compassion. Be considerate if a loved one is not ready to discuss the topic, and ensure you work with a compassionate estate planning lawyer. You don’t want this to be an upsetting time.

Don’t Mention Inheritance

When planning an estate with a loved one, asking about your or other people’s inheritance can be tempting. You may want to discuss the details of that and give your opinions. However, it’s important to remember that this should be your loved one’s decision. Instead of asking about inheritances, encourage them to sit with an experienced attorney or unbiased party to discuss them.

Outline Its Importance

Instead, it’s essential to focus on how important estate planning is. Remind your loved one that everyone should take the time to plan their estate properly. This applies to everyone of every age because we never know what will happen. Proper planning can instantly resolve family disputes long before they happen. Mention statistics to show them the importance. For example, according to LegalZoom, 77% of American adults believe that estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of their wealth.

Working with an estate planning lawyer can help you learn how to broach this topic with a loved one. We have a team of dedicated, compassionate professionals that will work with you and your loved one. Contact us at Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC if you need help discussing this delicate topic.

5 Reasons Estate Planning Is Good for Your Mental Health

Posted by Ty Ketlinski on May 15, 2023

Estate planning is an important part of life that a lot of people ignore. According to LegalZoom, only 18% of Americans over the age of 55 have an estate plan. Here are five benefits you can enjoy when you hire an estate planning attorney.

1. Avoid Family Problems

Disputes among family members are common when an estate is being settled, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When you have a will and a thorough estate plan, you can designate beneficiaries so nobody has to fight over what they’re getting from your estate.

2. Protect Young Children

The loss of a loved one can be especially difficult for young children and the guardianship process can be complicated. Designating somebody as the legal guardian of young children in the event that their parents pass can make things a lot easier.

3. Take Care of Everything Beforehand

You don’t want to spend some of the last days of your life figuring out your estate plan to make things easier for your family. Taking the time to work with an attorney now means you don’t have to worry about estate planning later on. This allows you to focus your energy on spending time with loved ones.

4. Protect Beneficiaries

There are a lot of potential issues that can arise when it comes to settling an estate. An estate planning attorney can help prevent your family members from having to pay expensive lawyer fees. You can also make a plan to minimize the taxes your family has to pay on your estate.

5. Enjoy Peace of Mind

With everything going on in life, it’s easy to worry. Stress can cause a lot of physical and mental health problems, so planning your estate is a good way to enjoy some peace of mind while you’re still healthy. There’s no reason to waste time worrying about what could happen. You don’t have to with a good estate plan!

So many people go through life without an estate plan, but even a simple estate plan can save your family and loved ones so much trouble. If you don’t have an estate plan, call Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC to connect with an estate planning attorney to start working on your will.

Why Young People Are Interested in Wills

Posted by Ty Ketlinski on March 8, 2023

According to Caring.com, individuals in the 18 to 34-year-old category are more likely to have a written will compared to individuals who are aged 35 to 54. This is interesting and may have you wondering why younger people are working with estate planners. Read on to learn some of the reasons why this is the case.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Caused Young People to Face Uncertain Health

One of the reasons why young people have become more interested in wills is because they faced the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic first started, no one knew how many people would be affected and why certain people would face worse symptoms. As such, many younger individuals started to learn about and draft wills in order to be properly prepared.

Young People Have Experienced Fallout From Their Loved Ones Not Having a Will

Another reason why younger individuals are becoming more interested in wills is that they may have seen or personally experienced the fallout when a loved one died without a will. Dying without a will can cause a lot of turmoil in a family, as family members fight over money and possessions. These types of cases can wind up in court, where lawyers can get the bulk of the estate and leave the family with very little. Younger individuals who have lived this know the importance of creating a will.

Young People Want to Choose Where Their Money Is Going to Go

The final reason why young people are becoming more interested in wills is that the younger generation may leave their estate to an organization or foundation, instead of their family. This is especially true with younger individuals who don’t have a partner or any children. Leaving a will allows the individual to state what happens to their belongings if they pass away without a spouse, partner, or children.

Everyone should have a will. A will helps to ensure that your possessions, including your bank account, home, car, jewelry, art, or other belongings, are left to the individuals or groups that are important to you. A will also helps your loved one to understand what your final wishes are. Estate planners can work with you to create a will, regardless of what age group you fall into. Reach out to Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC to schedule an appointment to have a will created.