You’ve worked hard to build a life for yourself and your family, collecting assets and making investments for the future. But what will happen to everything you’ve established after you’re gone? Estate planning prevents conflict between family members and ensures your wishes and values are respected. Below are just some of the reasons a comprehensive estate plan is so important.

4 Benefits of Estate Planning

1. Controlling the Distribution of Your Assets

No matter how often you’ve verbally expressed your wishes about how you’d like your assets divided after your death, writing a will or establishing a trust is the only way to guarantee those intentions are carried out. Without them, your belongings will be distributed according to your state’s intestacy laws, without regard for the relationships that mattered most to you in life.

2. Bypassing Probate

In some cases, your estate lawyer may recommend establishing a trust, allowing your beneficiaries to bypass the probate process. If you have significant assets or property in several states, a trust will save a great deal of time and money, leaving more wealth for you to pass on to your heirs.

3. Empowering Those You Trust

If you’re physically or mentally incapacitated, will your spouse be able to sell your house? Will your business partner be able to sign contracts or enter agreements without your participation? A comprehensive estate plan includes preparing durable powers of attorney, giving those you trust the legal authority to act on your behalf when you’re unable to do so.

4. Making Your Own Health Care Decisions

If the worst happens and you’re unable to communicate with your doctors, heightened emotions can spark intense conflicts between family members, some of which may never be resolved. An advance medical directive allows you to leave instructions for your health care providers, including denying consent for certain treatments, describing acceptable outcomes, and even expressing your grooming preferences. Not only will this ensure your wishes are respected, it will prevent bitter disagreements or difficult decisions for your loved ones.

Estate planning can be a daunting project, but the attorneys at Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl & Grello P.C. know how to explain complex legal concepts and give you the information you need to make informed choices for you and your family. They’ve helped clients throughout Connecticut plan for their futures since 1946 with creative solutions and effective representation. Visit their website to learn more about their estate planning services, or call (203) 789-­0001 to arrange a consultation today.