A comprehensive estate plan protects your loved ones, prevents familial conflicts, and ensures your wishes are respected, but the process can be extremely complex. Even relatively minor mistakes can create ambiguities in your documents, some of which can spark protracted, expensive legal battles or even render your will invalid. Below are a few valuable tips on what to do and errors to avoid from the estate planning attorneys at Greene Law, PC in Farmington, CT.

Do

Update Your Estate Plan After Major Life Changes

Marriages, divorces, and the birth of a child are all major life events that should trigger a review of your estate planning documents. In many states, including Connecticut, a divorce automatically renders provisions of your will invalid. If you’ve left assets to your former spouse, the court will distribute those belongings according to your state’s intestacy laws, without considering your relationships or intentions.

Hire an Estate Planning Attorney

Your estate plan should include your will, a health care directive, and powers of attorney to empower those you trust to manage your affairs on your behalf. An estate planning attorney will ensure you have everything you need, and may be able to streamline the probate process to spare your loved ones time and money later.

Don’t

Handle It Yourself

The most effective estate plans are those tailored to your specific situation—insight which books and online resources can’t provide. Even if you don’t have complex assets, speaking to a professional is the best way to ensure your will is valid and covers assets and belongings you might have forgotten.

Put It Off

Accidents can happen at any moment, and everyone is vulnerable to sudden accidents and unexpected illnesses. Even young people without significant assets can provide their loved ones peace of mind by preparing an estate plan.

The legal team at Greene Law, PC prides themselves on their client-centered approach, providing the support you need through every step of the process. They’ll take the time to evaluate your finances and priorities so they can recommend an estate planning strategy that protects the ones you value most. Follow their Facebook for more tips and advice, and call (860) 676-1336 or visit their website for a free consultation with an estate planning attorney.