Making resolutions is a New Year’s tradition for many people. While setting goals to improve your health, taking control of your finances, or starting a new hobby can all help enhance your quality of life, there’s no better way to begin the new year than by creating an estate plan. Meeting with an attorney to get your affairs in order provides peace of mind as you look toward the future. Here are a few reasons not to put off this important task any longer.

Why You Should Consider Estate Planning in 2020

1. Plan for the Unexpected 

The reality is that unexpected events occur every day and accidents and illnesses can affect people in any stage of life. In turn, it’s vital to be as prepared as you can be for the possibility of incapacitation or death. This requires having an estate plan that clearly outlines your end-of-life wishes. Your attorney will help draft legal documents that provide your family with instructions on how to handle your estate, making the situation less stressful for them at such a difficult and chaotic time. 

2. Ensure Proper Distribution of Assets 

Without an estate plan, everything you’ve worked so hard for over your lifetime could end up in the wrong hands. If there isn’t a will or trust to explain how your assets should be distributed, it becomes the court’s responsibility to decide who will inherit your estate. To prevent your wealth and most treasured possessions from going to unintended beneficiaries, you must execute a valid will or establish a properly funded trust.

3. Protect the Interests of Loved Ones 

Proper estate planning with an attorney is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your loved ones will continue to be cared for after you’re gone. Aside from providing for them financially, this is your opportunity to designate a guardian for your minor children in the event you and their other parent can no longer raise them. If guardianship isn’t addressed, the court will choose someone to be their guardian. Additionally, making your final wishes known can help keep family disputes from arising over your estate.

The attorneys at Cada Cada & Jewson can help you ring in the new year by putting an estate plan in place that is properly tailored to meet your unique goals. They’ve been successfully guiding Lincoln, NE, residents with their legal affairs for nearly 50 years. Call (402) 477-2233 to schedule a consultation or visit them online for more information on their services.