Regardless of your age, income level, or assets, having estate planning documents in place is a wise idea. The benefits they provide will give you lasting peace of mind and ensure your loved ones are protected after you're gone. Below are just three crucial advantages of professional estate planning.

3 Reasons to Start Estate Planning

1. You Are in Control

Without a will, you surrender control of your estate to probate courts and intestacy laws. This means that neither you nor your loved ones have a say in how your assets are divided. Use various estate planning measures to make your wishes and plans legally valid; they give you the power to create your legacy — use them to your advantage.

2. Reduce Estate Taxes

Unfortunately, even death is not tax-free. Large estates can take a major financial hit, and smaller ones can face a daunting financial burden. The best way to reduce or eliminate these taxes? Plan ahead. Estate planning documents, such as trusts, allow you to transfer ownership of property and assets without the interference of probate courts; your estate tax probably won't be entirely wiped out, but it can be minimized.

3. Safeguard Your Assets

Anyone with a substantial estate should know their options when it comes to asset protection. A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust, for example, can reduce estate taxes and safeguard the items in the trust from divorces and lawsuits.

The estate planning attorneys at Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. have more than 25 years' experience serving western and central Wisconsin. Call (608) 269-1200 for Sparta or (608) 486-2324 for Bangor to make an appointment, and start creating the ideal estate plans for your budget, family, and legacy. They also provide representation in personal injury, family law, and bankruptcy cases, to name just a few of their practice areas; Visit their website and follow them on Twitter to learn more about their services.