Estate planning is an important part of securing your family’s future after you’re gone. It’s never too early to think about estate planning, but the attorneys at Woodlawn Law Offices in O’Fallon, MO, know the process is complicated if you don’t know where to start. The attorneys will help you during the process and ensure your family will be taken care of should anything happen.

Here are three factors you will address with the help of a probate attorney:

• Funeral Costs: Funerals don’t necessarily have to be expensive, but if you pass away unexpectedly, your loved ones may struggle to cover the unanticipated expense, which is why estate planning addresses funeral costs. It’s possible to set aside funds to cover your funeral, so your loved ones aren’t burdened with the financial aspects of planning it after you pass.
• Expenses After Death: To settle an estate, all outstanding bills owed by the deceased must be paid. Administrative expenses are recurring bills such as rent or mortgage, utilities, and insurance. Beneficiaries should continue paying these bills until the probate process is complete. Final bills are those which are paid by the executor using money from the estate after the probate process is complete. Final bills include credit card bills, medical bills, and taxes. During the estate planning process, it’s important to take into account such bills and address how family members should expect to pay them.
• Standard Of Living: If your family is used to a certain standard of living, you likely want them to continue living this way even after you pass. An estate planning attorney will help you determine the best way to divide your assets to ensure this happens.

If you want to protect your family after you’re gone, turn to the estate planning attorneys at Woodlawn Law Offices in O’Fallon, MO. Visit the website to learn how they will help, or call (636) 240-6667 to schedule a consultation to discuss probate law today.