It’s not uncommon to postpone estate planning, especially if you’re relatively young and healthy. Putting affairs in order isn’t just for the ill and those in their golden years, though. At the end of the day, everyone can benefit from making arrangements for all eventualities because life is ultimately unpredictable. Here are some of the biggest reasons to draft a will sooner rather than later. 

Why You Should Create a Comprehensive Estate Plan 

1. To Alleviate a Considerable Burden

If you were to ever become incapacitated, would your family know what kind of treatment to provide? By including a living will in the estate plan, you can state in no uncertain terms what kind of ongoing and/or end-of-life care you wish to receive should the need arise. This will not only ensure your wishes are honored but will also prevent loved ones from having to make an incredibly hard decision based on what they think you might’ve intended.

2. To Further Your Favorite Causes 

If you die without a will, the court will distribute all assets according to the laws of intestate succession. In the state of Missouri, these laws prioritize the deceased’s spouse, descendants, siblings, and parents. In other words, if you want to leave anything to a favorite charity—or someone who's not one of the aforementioned—the only way to do so is by creating a will or trust as part of your estate planning. 

3. To Prevent Family Disputes 

Unfortunately, there are sometimes lengthy probate proceedings during which family members fight over various assets. Although surviving relatives are certainly entitled to challenge the terms of a will, they won’t get very far if all the documents you create are valid and legally binding. As such, taking a proactive approach to estate planning is a surefire way to promote harmony and prevent contentious disputes among those you leave behind. 

When you’re ready to start estate planning, turn to Baker Law Firm LLC for guidance. With offices in Osceola and Clinton, this full-service practice proudly serves clients throughout west-central Missouri. Their seasoned attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience in a variety of practice areas. In addition to estate planning, for example, they can assist with personal injury claims, adoption proceedings, commercial banking, criminal defense, family law disputes, real estate transactions, and Social Security disability. To schedule your initial consultation, call (417) 646-8125. Learn more about the firm on their website.