Estate planning is a crucial aspect of financial management that often gets overlooked or misunderstood. Many individuals assume it’s only necessary for the wealthy, while others put it off due to procrastination or a lack of understanding. However, effective estate planning starts with hiring an estate planning lawyer. These professionals ensure that your assets are managed according to your wishes, minimize taxes, and prevent family disputes. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complexities and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring a secure future for you and your loved ones.

1. Failing to Create a Will and Protect Your Wishes

One common mistake is not having a will. According to USA Today, 43% of Americans without wills cited procrastination as the reason, while 40% felt they didn’t have enough assets to justify estate planning. This oversight can lead to significant complications and misunderstandings among heirs, potentially causing family rifts and legal battles. A knowledgeable estate planning attorney can guide you through the process of drafting a will, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of.

2. Overlooking Assets That Should Be Included in Your Estate Plan

Another mistake is failing to account for all assets, which can significantly undermine your estate plan. People often forget about digital assets, collectibles, or international holdings, leaving them unaccounted for in their estate plans. An experienced lawyer will help create a comprehensive list of all your assets, ensuring nothing is overlooked. This not only maximizes the value passed on to heirs but also minimizes tax liabilities that might arise from an incomplete estate plan.

3. Neglecting to Update Your Estate Plan After Major Life Changes

Lastly, many people neglect to update their estate plans to reflect life changes, such as marriages, divorces, births, or deaths in the family. An estate plan is not a one-time document but a living one that should evolve as your circumstances change. By regularly reviewing and updating your plan with a lawyer, you can ensure it remains relevant and effective, protecting your interests and those of your beneficiaries over time.

In conclusion, while estate planning may seem daunting, it’s essential for ensuring the financial security and peace of mind for you and your family. Avoiding common mistakes can prevent unnecessary legal complications and emotional distress. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can create a robust estate plan that reflects your wishes and adapts to life’s inevitable changes. Don’t let procrastination or misconceptions about asset value hold you back from securing your legacy. Do you need an estate planning lawyer? Call Ketlinski Law Office, PLLC today.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What will happen to your estate after you’re gone? It can be difficult to ask yourself this question, but planning for the future is the best thing you can do for your loved ones. According to Legal Zoom, over 40% of young adults don’t know what’s written in their parents’ wills. Don’t let your family wonder about your wishes. Ask these questions when you talk to estate planning attorneys to ensure that you’re prepared for the future.

1. What’s Included in an Estate Plan?

Don’t make assumptions about what is and isn’t included in an estate plan. Check with your attorneys to confirm that your plan includes important documents. The documents that should be a part of your estate plan include a will, a living will, and power of attorney. If you have minor children, your plan should also include guardianship documents.

2. Do You Handle Probate?

When a will is contested, probate courts must approve the documents before dividing assets. Ideally, your estate planning lawyer should include probate in their practice. Working with an attorney familiar with probate proceedings can prevent your assets from being tied up in court.

3. How Will You Keep My Estate Plan Current?

Many people begin working with estate planning attorneys when they’re still fairly young. Your assets may change over time. Confirm that your lawyer can adapt to these changes and update your documents as needed.

4. Who Will Execute My Estate Plan?

The executor of an estate is the person who will carry out the wishes you’ve outlined in your will and other documents. Talk with your attorneys about how your plan will be executed. Don’t be afraid to ask them tough questions about what the estate process will look like.

5. How Will My Estate Be Taxed?

Creating an estate plan helps ensure that your wishes are honored after you’re gone. That’s why it’s wise to talk with your attorney about how taxes will affect your plan. While there’s no federal inheritance tax in the United States, some states have estate and inheritance taxes. Ask your attorney about these taxes and any taxes associated with real estate transfers.

Working with estate planning attorneys can give you peace of mind, especially if you ask the right questions. It can be hard to think about what will happen after you pass away, but tackling these problems while you’re still here is worthwhile. Contact Ketlinksi Law Office, PLLC today to schedule an estate planning consultation.