When Is the Right Time to Plan Your Estate?
As an adult, if you haven’t already planned your estate, the right time is now, regardless of whether you are a young adult, have a family, or are retired. Like the ostrich who hides its head in the sand, it’s common for people to put it off. After all, who wants to think about what happens after they’re “gone,” whether mentally or physically? However, if you make a plan and implement it, you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to protect yourself, your assets, and the ones you love.
Does estate planning only deal with what happens after death?
No. Estate planning is more than setting up a will. Depending on the size of the estate and the type of assets within the estate, you may benefit from a trust. As the grantor and beneficiary of your trust, you have an opportunity to protect your assets during your lifetime. If you own a business, succession planning is critical. Additionally, a number of important ancillary documents are involved in an estate plan that are important during your lifetime, for example, there is the
- Power of Attorney,
- Living Will, and
- Medical Durable Power of Attorney.
If I’ve planned my estate, am I done forever?
Whether once is enough is dependent on whether there are changes that affect your estate plan.
Have your circumstances changed?
If you did not have children and now have children, you want to make sure you appoint the guardian of your children, not a court. If you had young children when you did your estate planning, and now your children have children of their own, you’ll want to revise your plan to ensure you protect your legacy and meet the needs of your loved ones. Have you experienced financial growth since your previous plan? These are just a few examples of changes in your personal circumstances.
Have the laws changed?
The laws do change, and when they do, they may adversely affect your estate planning. After elections, change is usually inevitable.
A periodic review of your estate planning documents should be done to ensure they still meet your needs.
Estate planning tends to be overwhelming to a majority of people. There is just so much to take into consideration and so much at stake. This series is designed to alleviate your fears and educate you on what is involved, including setting your goals, laying the groundwork, considerations, and available options to name a few. My goal is to provide you peace of mind with the best game plan for you.
If you live in Colorado or Florida, please feel free to reach out to me with your estate planning needs. I’m here for you.
© 2021 Karen Van Den Heuvel Fischer
