When you’re planning a wedding, you likely don’t want to consider something unfortunate happening to either of you. However, marriage is an important legal union, so proper estate planning will help prevent conflict and uncertainty if the unexpected does occur. Below are a few tips for successfully incorporating estate planning into your wedding arrangements.

4 Estate Planning Tips for Newlyweds

1. Check Your Insurance

Like many newlywed couples, you and your new spouse might have spent hours talking about your hopes and dreams for the future. Maybe you’d like to purchase a house, get an advanced degree, or start a family. Whatever your plans, a life insurance policy will help you achieve them, even if one of you passes away unexpectedly.

2. Write a Will

If you pass away without a will, your belongings and assets will be divided according to your state laws. In Ohio and some other states, your spouse will inherit everything, while others will divide your estate among several of your relatives. Writing a will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are respected and your belongings go to those you choose.

3. Prepare Your Power of Attorney

If you’re incapacitated for any reason, you might think your spouse will be able to make important medical decisions and manage your finances. Unfortunately, this often isn’t the case, so you’ll need to give your spouse a durable power of attorney, which allows them to work as your legal agent.

4. Write a Living Will

Even if you’re young and in relatively good health, an accident or sudden illness can leave you unable to communicate with your doctors. A living will allows you to leave detailed instructions about your health care, consent to medical procedures, and express your wishes about end-of-life care.

For nearly 40 years, the estate planning professionals at Ibold & O'Brien have helped couples throughout Ohio’s Geauga and Ashtabula counties prepare for the future. Whether you’re writing a will for the first time or need help with another legal issue, their team of experienced attorneys will provide reliable advice and in-depth insight. Visit their website for more on their background and services, and call (440) 285-3511 to speak with an estate planning attorney.