This Article Written for Willhoite Law, PLLC
Nobody wants to think about their death. Considering and planning our own deaths has never been high on our list of things we like to do and most of us do whatever we can to avoid it. But, life is impermanent. This too shall expire and we will all eventually pass away. It is somewhat selfish for the impeding deceased to fail to consider what is to be done with their property post mortem. It can become a stressful and difficult ordeal to address these concerns alone afterward. That is why all estate planning attorney suggests addressing the many different possible phases of dealing with death or debilitation.
Thinking what happens to your property after your death and planning for it, can help your family dramatically. Once you’re gone, there are many things surviving family members will have to think of from planning service to burial arrangements. Rather of leaving it all to chance, consider working with estate planning attorney Claremore OK to guarantee everything is taken care of before it’s needed.
Estate planning is an incredibly necessary step to take to preserve your legacy and protect your family. Dealing with the assets of the passing of a loved one can be an emotional and stressful time. Your family can subject to new stress if you don’t have a stable plan in place that describe who would like to receive your assets.
That’s because, without the proper legally adhering a plan that speaks who should receive your assets, your family will have to go to probate court. Probate court can go expensive and create tension between family members especially if they begin to fight over your assets. To circumvent situations like this, it is best to create complete planning of your assets ahead of time.
There are many estate planning options available. You’re not just restricted to the typical will. Now, a lot of people are under the impression that they don’t need the services of an estate planning attorney because they see do-it-yourself services advertised on the internet.
This couldn’t be more from the truth. Will, trust, and estate law is complicated and varies from state to state. That is why it’s always best to consult with an estate planning attorney in your state first. These legal professionals can advise you on how to transfer your assets to your family in the most effective way possible, how to defend your family in case you become incapacitated before you die, and how to protect the value of your estate by minimizing taxes following state and federal law.
There are several different types of attorneys that practice in different types of law. You wouldn’t go to an eye surgeon if you are having a heart problem, you would go to a heart doctor. Likewise, you wouldn’t go to an attorney who practices criminal law if you require an estate planning attorney.
Make no mistake. If you are looking for an estate planning attorney Claremore OK, you should find an attorney who focuses his or her practice on planning. Whether you have a property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, or millions, you require the services of the appropriate professional to avoid future legal complications.
With the guidance of an adequate estate planning attorney Claremore OK, you can handle the business of making sure your property, belongings, and most importantly your loved ones are well cared for after you are gone. You can make a will or trust that will be legally binding, give over power of attorney to a trusted friend or associate, make your burial arrangements, and much more. There are alternatives to accomplish these things on your own, but you are far better off contacting someone who has the expertise and knowledge to help you.
Here are some points you should look for when picking an estate attorney:
- Affordability: Picking an estate planning attorney Claremore OK should not cost you everything you’re attempting to pass on. Attorneys are never cheap (and you seemingly should not pick someone who is), but that doesn’t mean you can’t get anyone with affordable rates. Charging an arm and a leg isn’t a symbol of a better attorney; it’s a symbol that he provides to rich clients and can get away with it. While you absolutely should not look for bargain-basement deals, there’s no harm in shopping around a bit before you commit.
- Experience: The experience of an attorney makes all the difference between a good attorney and a poor attorney. An estate planning attorney Claremore OK can have a degree from the most precise university in the country and they may still not be suitable for your expectations. You make sure that they are. You can do this by determining not only how long they have been practicing, but also how long they have been serving in this area of the law.
- Attention and Availability: You need an attorney with whom you can discuss your points, not a rubber stamp. If you just want an attorney to put their stamp to a piece of paper, you can easily find someone for a lot cheaper than you’ll find an estate planning attorney. Yet this doesn’t hold many such attorneys from charging a massive amount, meeting for an afternoon, and then rarely being available from that point forward. Don’t pay for this. If you’re paying for legal counsel, make sure you receive it.
- Flexibility: Even if you are retired, you may have a busy schedule. It can be difficult to make time for appointments. If this represents your situation, look for an estate planning attorney who can give the time to meet with you, even if that includes staying late one afternoon or rescheduling another appointment. This is the sign of an estate planning attorney Claremore OK who cares, which is exactly what you want when going forward with what, can be some very sensitive decisions.
As we stated earlier, estate law is very complex, and it changes from state to state. When it comes to transferring your assets, you shouldn’t leave anything to chance. Pick a legal professional at Willhoite Law, PLLC who deals with these estate laws on a daily basis to advise you properly.