There is no substitute for the expertise and guidance a legal professional provides, which is particularly valuable when drafting an estate plan. Without the assistance of an experienced estate planning attorney, the potential for errors leaves the future uncertain for you and your loved ones. Below are some important reasons to consider hiring an attorney to help with the complicated planning process.

3 Reasons to Seek the Assistance of an Estate Planning Attorney

1. You Have a Complex Estate

Although anyone will benefit from legal counsel for estate planning, it’s likely you will need it even more if you have a specifically complex estate. This may be the case if you’ve been married more than once, you have children with multiple partners, or you have a substantial amount of assets that are still consistently acquiring. Each of these situations will require extra attention to detail when creating an estate plan.

2. You Need Help Creating a Comprehensive Estate Plan

One of the most important parts of an estate plan is the will, but that’s typically not the only document you need. A comprehensive plan often contains paperwork for power of attorney and a living trust. This will ensure you have everything covered, including instructions for making financial, medical, tax, and business decision. An estate planning attorney will help you determine which documents are necessary for your unique situation. 

3. You Want to Make Sure Your Estate Plan Holds Up in Court

Even making the smallest mistake when preparing estate planning documents can raise questions about their validity. This can result in long delays and costly court proceedings that your loved ones have to deal with in the wake of your death. An attorney will make sure everything is filled out and signed appropriately to prevent problems from emerging in court.

The many facets involved in estate planning make it challenging to do correctly wihtout proper knowledge of the law. This is why it’s essential to work with an attorney once you’re ready to plan for the future. Those looking for a reputable estate planning attorney in Chillicothe, OH, can count on Sherri K. Rutherford to provide sound legal advice and effective representation. For more than two decades, she has been committed to protecting the final wishes of her clients. Contact her office at (740) 775-7434 to learn more.