Estate planning gives you the power to shape the legacy you ultimately leave behind. But many people have questions about the planning process and are unclear about just what wills, trusts, and related documents can do and not do. Below, estate planning and family court attorney Don Roberts of the Don Roberts Law Offices in Hilliard, Ohio, answers some of the more frequently asked questions on the topic.

FAQ About Estate Planning & The Benefits It Provides

Why Should I Start Estate Planning?

One word: protection. An individual works hard their entire life, and they want to ensure that, after they're gone, the money and assets are managed and distributed according to their wishes. Without a will plan in place, probate courts will determine how your estate is divided according to your state's intestacy laws. And that division of money, assets, and property could be far different than what you yourself would have intended. In short, there is a measure of protection for yourself and your loved ones.

What Is Probate?

Probate is a legal process through which a deceased person's estate is settled. An executor, nominated by the decedent in the estate plans, represents the estate throughout probate. Duties include satisfying outstanding debts, paying taxes, and making sure certain assets are distributed according to the wishes of the deceased.

What Does a Good Estate Plan Include?

This will largely depend on the size and scope of your estate and the number of beneficiaries you want to include. But in general, all good estate plans start with a will. Consider a will the basic blueprint of the estate: naming an executor to oversee its administration, detailing who inherits what, and leaving specific plans for the care of children and pets, as well as special requests for a funeral or memorial service.

What Are Some Examples of Common Estate Planning Documents?

Once the will has been drawn up, confer with your estate planning and family court attorney to decide what other documents to include. Living trusts are popular choices; they allow one to transfer ownership of a specific property to beneficiaries without the interference of probate courts. A living will is always a smart option, too; this will give you the opportunity to make plans for end-of-life care and preferred medical treatments if you become too sick or aged to make such decisions later on.

Wherever you're at in the estate planning process, trust the Don Roberts Law Offices to design the documents that honor your wishes and goals. Attorney Roberts also offers representation as a divorce and custody lawyer and criminal law attorney. Call (614) 777-4500, visit his website, or message him on Facebook to set up a free consultation with a family court attorney.

_{Don Roberts Law Offices is based in Columbus, Ohio, but serves clients throughout the State of Ohio. Our office in Hilliard, Ohio is convenient to Dublin, New Jefferson, Bexley, Westerville, New Albany, Hilliard, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, and other Franklin County municipalities. Our office is located in central Ohio and is just a short drive to/from anywhere in Ohio. Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only and should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. See our profile at Avvo.com or Martindale.com.}