{"id":575,"date":"2017-01-11T08:16:28","date_gmt":"2017-01-11T08:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epicdevsite.info\/2022-evanscase\/?p=575"},"modified":"2017-01-11T08:16:28","modified_gmt":"2017-01-11T08:16:28","slug":"ten-reasons-to-create-and-maintain-an-estate-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epicdevsite.info\/2024-EvansCase\/ten-reasons-to-create-and-maintain-an-estate-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Ten Reasons to Create and Maintain an Estate Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the first week of 2017 already in the history books, let us assist you in getting your estate plan created or bring your current plan up-to-date, so you and your family are protected from the unknowns of the coming year. Many people do not think they need an estate plan. The problem is, if you do not take control of your estate planning, the government takes care of it for you by determining what happens to your assets during a period of incapacity and at death. Others believe an estate plan is something that can be bottled up and sold on the internet. This could not be further from the truth. Relying on a one-size-fits-all estate plan or a form you can buy on the internet will more than likely result in an inferior estate plan. Talking to an attorney who can help counsel and guide you through the process and develop an estate plan designed for you can save you money in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are ten reasons you need an estate plan:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. \n

    Protect your loved ones by making important decisions while you are still here and able<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Designate a guardian for minor children<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Minimize the cost, frustration, and time of probate<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Designate agents who will be able to manage your financial and medical care if you become unable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Manage assets fairly for children from previous marriages and\/or for subsequent spouses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  6. \n

    Minimize estate taxes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  7. \n

    Preserve your assets to provide added value through several generations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  8. \n

    Protect loved ones from creditors<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  9. \n

    Plan charitable giving<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  10. \n

    Important family business or marital planning.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    So WAIT\u2026It\u2019s Not a Done Deal<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

    Once you have created your Estate Plan, keeping things up-to-date and relevant, is just as important as creating one in the first place. This check-list can assist with making sure you have covered all the bases in your plan and that everything is current. The presence or absence of one or more of these elements can spell disaster! How many of these apply to you?<\/span><\/p>\n