No one enjoys thinking about what will happen after they’re gone, but eventually your loved ones will have to grapple with your loss. Having a comprehensive estate plan in place allows you to control what happens to your belongings after your death and shape the legacy you leave. An experienced estate lawyer will help maximize the benefits of preparing a will, ensuring everything is included and nothing is left to change.

3 Reasons to See an Estate Lawyer to Write Your Will

1. Control Over Your Property

No matter how many times you’ve verbally expressed your intentions, only a will makes your wishes legally enforceable. Without it, your assets will be divided according to a formula, and not necessarily in a way you would have wanted. After a thorough examination of your assets, including those with emotional significance for your family members, your estate lawyer will make sure your wishes are expressed clearly.

2. Minimize Your Tax Burden

An estate lawyer can also help reduce the tax liability of your heirs and save the time and expense of going through probate. A living trust, for example, can take ownership of your property and transfer it to a beneficiary upon your death. A skilled estate attorney can anticipate these issues before they arise and recommend the ideal solution for your situation, protecting your assets and giving you priceless peace of mind.

3. Preventing Disputes

The rifts that form between family members after the death of a loved one can destroy relationships, especially when valuable assets are involved. A carefully crafted will can prevent many of these disputes from arising in the first place, even if your loved ones disagree with your choices.

The estate lawyers at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C., have been serving the Hudson Valley for over 130 years, building a reputation for high-quality legal advice and the personalized approach they take on every case. Visit their website for more information about their comprehensive estate planning services, see their Facebook for more legal tips, or call (845) 343-3000 to begin preparing your will.