Many people begin a new year by striving to improve their lives. While emphasizing the here and now is a noble pursuit, so is thinking ahead. Estate planning ensures your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. From drafting a will to arranging for your own elder care, this overview shows why it’s important to develop a thorough estate plan this year, regardless of your age or economic status.

4 Reasons to See an Estate Planning Attorney This Year

1. Protect Your Family’s Financial Future

If you die intestate—without a will—the distribution of your assets will be left up to the courts. If you have a less traditional family that involves an ex-spouse or children from previous relationships, this situation will be more complicated. By taking the time to draft a will, you can ensure everyone important to you will receive the desired portion of your assets.

2. Look After Your Minor Children

Your children deserve a plan for all contingencies. A will can include a clause that establishes your wishes for the care of your minor children, allowing you to select someone to serve as their guardian. While a judge will try to act in your child’s best interests, the court may choose a guardian you would not trust to care for your children.

3. Prepare for Your Future Care Needs 

An illness or injury can incapacitate you to the extent that you may not be able to communicate your wishes. Whether this happens as you reach your senior years or you’re afflicted at a younger age, you’ll need someone to speak for you.

Your attorney can help you draft a health care proxy document in which you choose someone to make your medical care decisions. Additionally, a financial power of attorney allows you to select someone you trust to collect your income and benefits, ensure bills are paid, and manage your investments.

4. Protect Your Digital Assets

Your estate planning lawyer can also help protect your digital assets and pass them on to whomever you choose. This is a relatively new service that involves giving usernames and passwords to a spouse or designated loved one. They can use the information to close financial accounts, manage your social media presence, and download photos and videos your family will wish to have.

Resolve to protect your family this year. While it’s common to think of estate planning as something reserved for the elderly or wealthy, it’s something everyone should do to protect themselves and their loved ones. The firm of McClure, Ramsay, Dickerson & Escoe, LLP has been serving the Toccoa, GA, area for more than a century, so they know how to help you create a thorough estate plan. Their dedicated legal team will help you create a personalized plan that will address every aspect of protecting your estate and your loved ones. To discuss your needs, schedule an initial consultation by visiting their website or calling (706) 886-3178.