Thinking about mortality may be hard, but imagining your loved ones struggling after you pass is much more difficult. The most effective way to ensure family members will be taken care of is by creating a comprehensive estate plan. Although the idea of inventorying assets and drafting essential documents may seem daunting, doing so can be fairly simple with expert guidance from a will attorney, especially if you know a few tips for getting started.

3 Estate Planning Tips From a Will Attorney

1. Start With a Will

A last will is the most basic estate planning document. In it, parents can establish guardianship for any children who are still minors at the time of their passing. Individuals can also use a will to distribute assets to various beneficiaries and state any last wishes regarding their funeral or burial. It’s never too early to create this document, because a will attorney can help you update it as needed.

2. Supplement With Life Insurance

If something were to happen to you tomorrow, would your loved ones be able to manage financially? If your estate is still fairly small, consider supplementing it with life insurance. Purchasing a policy is essential if you share joint ownership of property or have children. In either scenario, your passing could have a significant financial impact on others.

3. Take Care of Yourself

Some estate planning documents go into effect while their creator is still alive. For example, an advance health care directive will apply if you ever become incapacitated. In this document, individuals can specify their preferences and wishes regarding end-of-life care. To cover all your bases, create a power of attorney to designate a health care proxy—someone who will make medical decisions on your behalf should you ever become incapacitated.

If you need legal advice regarding wills and trusts, turn to Stayton Law. Proudly serving clients throughout Willamette Valley, they have been a fixture of the community for generations. In addition to estate planning, they also resolve legal disputes that fall under employment, business, and elder law. Visit the firm online to learn about their rich history representing locals, or call (503) 769-7741 to schedule an initial consultation with a will attorney today.