Estate planning provides for your loved ones in the event of your passing, ensuring your wishes are respected and preventing expensive legal conflicts. Even minor mistakes can cause confusion and disputes, however, so ensure you know the best practices when writing a will and developing an estate plan. To help you get started, here are some tips for creating effective documents.

Do:

Write a living will.

Estate planning shouldn’t end at preparing a will, since that only goes into effect after your passing. To provide instructions for your loved ones in case you’re involved in an accident or acquire an illness that affects your ability to communicate, create a living will. This will allow you to describe your wishes regarding end-of-life care and medical procedures, sparing your family from making these decisions and reducing the chance of conflicts.

Choose an executor carefully.

The executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will, paying off debts, and distributing assets to your heirs. Guiding an estate through the probate period can be a complex process, so choose a probate attorney or family member who you trust has the organizational skills to keep all aspects on track.

Don’t:

Wait to create an estate plan.

Thinking about your mortality is never comfortable, and many people assume they’ll always have more time to plan for the future. However, accidents and injuries can occur without notice, so ensure your family and interests are cared for by creating an estate plan even if you think you don’t need one. 

Write your will yourself.

Vague or uncertain wording in a will can cause confusion and leave your estate plan open to legal challenges. Assets left out of your will are also distributed according to state law, and may not go to those you intend. To ensure your will has incontestable wording and covers all of your belongings to prevent court disputes, enlist the help of an estate planning attorney to write your will.

Since 1954, Gess Mattingly & Atchison, P.S.C. have offered effective legal services in a welcoming, client-centered environment. Thanks to their commitment to excellence and high-value services, their estate planning attorneys have built long-lasting relationships with clients throughout Lexington, KY and the Central Kentucky area. Visit their website to learn how they can help protect your family and assets, follow their Facebook for updates, or call (859) 252-9000 to consult with an attorney.