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Having the right estate planning documents in place helps ensure the smooth transfer of assets and property after an individual passes away. Unfortunately, wills and trusts can sometimes be susceptible to disputes among a deceased person's loved ones, and those who feel left out or unfairly treated by the terms of the will might elect to legally challenge it.

There are some things you can do to make your estate plans as ironclad as possible; here are a few tips for accomplishing this:

Keep Your Estate Plans Updated

trustsDon't consider your will, trust, or other estate documents to be static and unchanging. They will most likely need regular updates to reflect changes in your family, income, business, or health. By keeping a close tab on all of these documents, you can make sure they account for the most current conditions in your life. These include remembering the people you want to remember, including the assets and property you presently own, and making specific provisions for any new issues that may have emerged since you last updated your plans.

2. Name a Trustworthy Executor

Perhaps, the most crucial role a will plays is that it allows you to name someone as an executor for your estate. This is an administrative function’s importance cannot be overstated. The individual you nominate essentially manages your estate and your funds in the immediate wake of your passing; they notify creditors, take inventories of what you own, alert beneficiaries, and settle any outstanding debts you may have. Consider carefully who you want to take on these critical responsibilities. An inept executor could easily mishandle your estate and make it even more vulnerable to dispute.

3. Work With an Attorney

Estate and probate law are complex legal areas requiring the guidance of a skilled legal professional. When drawing up estate plans, work closely with an attorney you trust to guide you through the process. An attorney makes sure your wills, trusts, and other documents are legally sound and as impenetrable as possible from a dispute. Working with a lawyer also makes it easier to update and amend your will as necessary.

 

The will and trust lawyers at Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. have served Hamilton, Ohio, for more than 100 years. Call (513) 867-1411, visit the website, or connect with them on Facebook or Twitter to schedule a consultation. By following the above tips, you can reinforce your estate plans and guarantee those plans properly care for your loved ones after you're gone.

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