More than half of all Americans pass away without ever making a will. While estate planning might seem like an unpleasant task, getting your estate in order is a responsible choice to make on behalf of your loved ones. But just as with other important personal financial fields, like bankruptcy or real estate law, estate planning often requires specific expertise to bring about the best possible outcome. The skilled attorneys at Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. of Sparta, Wisconsin, highlight a few aspects of estate planning for which an attorney can prove extremely useful.

5 Reasons To Hire An Estate Planning Attorney

You Want To Avoid Probate Court

Probate is a largely clerical legal process through which most estates pass after a person passes away. While it is seldom contentious, it can tie up assets for months and drain an estate through probate fees. There may be ways to avoid probate court, such as revocable living trusts, but these typically require the expertise of a skilled estate planning attorney to set up.

You Have Specific Desires For Who Gets What

Estates that do not have a will are subjected to formulaic intestate succession laws which vary from state to state. Intestate estates are parceled out to relatives according to their legal relationship to the deceased, with little regard for the deceased’s wishes.

You Anticipate Contention Between Family Members

Of course, it’s not all about money. The distribution of personal assets can cause problems among surviving family members, even if these items have relatively low economic value. Specifying particular beneficiaries to receive specific personal items can help your family avoid conflict after you pass on.

You Have A Complex Portfolio Of Assets

While the beneficiary of your property can be specified in your will, other assets, like life insurance or proceeds from pension plans, may not. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you sort through the asset categories to give you a clear picture of what will go to whom.

You Have Specific Wishes For Your Burial

Perhaps you have a particular vision for your own burial, or perhaps you simply want to avoid squabbles among family members by specifying cremation and a modest service. The final disposition of your body does not fall under the control of your will because it is not considered property. However, a savvy estate planning attorney may be able to help you create documents that clearly express your wishes regarding your burial.

If you need solid legal advice on estate planning or you are facing any other legal issue in Sparta, Wisconsin, Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. can help. Visit their website to learn more about their practice, or call (608) 269-1200 today to schedule a consultation.