Depending on your age, estate planning may be at the forefront of your thoughts, or you may not have even considered it yet. However, planning your estate is something that you can do at any stage of life to make sure your family will be cared for should the worst happen. Here’s how an estate lawyer can help you with this process regardless of your current age.

Early Adulthood

During your 20s and 30s, you should have a basic will, especially if you’re married and have children. Even if you don’t have a large estate, you can still use a will to set up trusts for your children or others, such as an educational IRA. An estate lawyer can give you a good idea of how to allocate your assets if you don’t yet have your own family.

Middle Age

While you may still need to worry about your children’s future education once you reach your 40s, this is a time to start solidifying key details of your estate plan, such as power of attorney or whether you should use a living trust. As your children graduate college, you’ll likely need to reallocate certain accounts in anticipation of other needs, such as preparing for retirement. An estate lawyer can guide you through each of these tasks.

Retirement Years

As you reach your golden years, estate planning should take on a more long-term view. Consider how your wealth could benefit your children and grandchildren after you and your spouse pass away. If you have a larger estate, you could also look into charitable giving opportunities affiliated with causes you support.

Whether you need help with estate planning, commercial litigation, or even DWI law, you can count on the skilled team at MacVean Lewis Sherwin & McDermott PC. Serving Orange County, NY since 1885, this legal practice has developed a lasting reputation of personalized, high-level service. To learn more about their practice areas or to request a free consultation with an estate lawyer, visit them online or call (845) 343-3000.