Comprehensive estate planning empowers you to decide what happens to your assets after you’ve passed away and who should make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated. Unfortunately, it’s also a complex process, and minor mistakes can have serious unintended consequences. If you’re drafting a living will or deciding who should receive your belongings, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

What Are Some Estate Planning Errors?

1. Failing to Plan

Many people feel that they’ll have time to create an estate plan later, or believe they don’t have enough assets to write a will. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable, and disasters can befall anyone at any time. No matter your age, marital status, or the amount of assets you have, everyone should prepare at least a will, a living will, and a medical power of attorney.

2. Using Estate Planning Software

Many companies offer online platforms that promise to make estate planning fast and easy. Unfortunately, these software packages can only offer one-size-fits-all solutions, which may not be best for your situation. In some cases, the documents they produce may not even be valid in your state, or leave out vital information that leaves your estate plan open to misinterpretation and legal challenges.

3. Forgetting to Update Your Estate Plan

As you go through life, your circumstances and priorities will likely change. An effective estate plan should always reflect your current wishes, so it’s important to revisit your documents after any major life event. If you’ve gotten married, divorced, or had a child recently, revise your will, your powers of attorney, and your living will.

If you want to avoid critical estate planning mistakes, consult Cheryl A. Beverson, Attorney at Law, in Middletown, NY. With over 20 years of legal experience, she offers detailed insight and personalized solutions to clients throughout New York’s Hudson Valley. She takes the time to explain the law and will work to ensure your estate plan clearly expresses your final wishes. Visit her website to learn how she can help with your living will and other vital documents, or call (845) 341-0008 to schedule an appointment today.