5 Signs That You Need to Hire an Estate Lawyer
Whether you have a large estate or a small one, it is important to plan for what will happen after you pass away. Even though it isn't the most pleasant conversation, it is crucial to put a plan in place so that your assets and loved ones can be taken care of. As such, you might wonder when it's time to hire an estate lawyer. This blog post will discuss five signs that indicate it is time for you to work with an estate lawyer.
You Have Children from a Previous Marriage
If you are married but have children from a previous marriage, you should consult with an estate lawyer. This is to ensure that your assets are fairly distributed among all your children, regardless of where they come from. An estate lawyer will know what documents are necessary to accomplish this goal.
You Have a Large Estate
The more assets you have, the more important it is to create an estate plan. This will help alleviate any confusion or disputes about inheritance. An estate lawyer can help you create a plan that will ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
You Want to Support a Charity
If you would like to donate part of your estate to a charity, you should work with an estate lawyer. They will help structure your donation in a tax-efficient manner and make sure that your donation goes to the charity of your choice.
You Want to Avoid Probate
Probate is the legal process that distributes your assets after you pass away. It can be a lengthy and expensive process. An estate lawyer can help you create a plan that avoids probate entirely, saving your family time, money, and stress.
You Need to Appoint Guardians for Minor Children
If you have minor children, it is important to appoint guardians in the event that neither parent is able to care for them. An estate lawyer can help you choose suitable guardians and make sure that all necessary paperwork is in order.
Creating an estate plan is important, no matter the size of your estate. An estate lawyer can help you navigate the often complicated and emotional process of determining what will happen to your assets after you pass away. The five signs above are just a few indicators that it may be time to start planning, but it is always better to plan earlier than later.
Contact an estate lawyer near you to learn more.