Advantages Of Having An Estate Planning Attorney Washington DC
Few people take the time to plan the future of their loved ones after they themselves have left the world. While most individuals express the desire to be the one that decides on the distribution of their estate among their dependents, few take the initiative to put together a legal will. Engaging an estate planning attorney Washington DC can make this difficult planning process much smoother, while avoiding problems in the future.
If you have a spouse, children or other dependents who rely on you for their livelihood, it is particularly important to write a will. Without one, the distribution of your assets after your death can involve a long and tedious court process. In addition, your loved ones may have to face high estate taxes in order to be able to access their inheritance.
Leaving a will is not just important for the management of material assets. It can also dictate other things such as your wishes for the care of your remains, or who will be responsible for the care of any dependents that are under the age of majority. You can also determine which individual will be in charge of executing your will.
Most people are under the impression that a handwritten sheet of paper with your signature is sufficient documentation as a will. Unfortunately, it is not such a simple matter. Self-written wills are prone to loopholes, failure to comply with necessary legalities, and resulting invalidation. A legal practitioner can aid you in putting together a will that will meet all necessary legal requirements, ensuring that your desires are fulfilled after your death.
An attorney can advise you on whether it is beneficial to have a trust set up as part of your estate plan. A trust involves setting aside part of the assets in a special legal structure. These assets are then made available to your heirs under certain conditions. In certain situations, trusts can simplify the legal process of inheritance and potentially help reduce taxes on your assets.
A legal practitioner can also help you put together a power of attorney document. If you are ever in a condition where you are incapable of making financial or legal decisions, the person designated by this document has the legal right to make such decisions on your behalf. Such an individual can also be designated to make health care decisions in a situation where you are unable to give consent.
In the case of inheritance disputes, the legal practitioner can be called upon to settle the matter. As a legal professional who has been present with you during your will writing process, he will be in the best position to resolve the dispute in favor of your wishes. The presence of such a professional will also help reduce the stress and agitation on your heirs part during this highly emotional time.
An estate planning lawyer is a powerful ally during the process of planning for the future of your assets and loved ones. Like any legal procedure, writing a will can be an overwhelming task. Consulting a legal professional can make this task considerably more efficient and reliable.
If you have a spouse, children or other dependents who rely on you for their livelihood, it is particularly important to write a will. Without one, the distribution of your assets after your death can involve a long and tedious court process. In addition, your loved ones may have to face high estate taxes in order to be able to access their inheritance.
Leaving a will is not just important for the management of material assets. It can also dictate other things such as your wishes for the care of your remains, or who will be responsible for the care of any dependents that are under the age of majority. You can also determine which individual will be in charge of executing your will.
Most people are under the impression that a handwritten sheet of paper with your signature is sufficient documentation as a will. Unfortunately, it is not such a simple matter. Self-written wills are prone to loopholes, failure to comply with necessary legalities, and resulting invalidation. A legal practitioner can aid you in putting together a will that will meet all necessary legal requirements, ensuring that your desires are fulfilled after your death.
An attorney can advise you on whether it is beneficial to have a trust set up as part of your estate plan. A trust involves setting aside part of the assets in a special legal structure. These assets are then made available to your heirs under certain conditions. In certain situations, trusts can simplify the legal process of inheritance and potentially help reduce taxes on your assets.
A legal practitioner can also help you put together a power of attorney document. If you are ever in a condition where you are incapable of making financial or legal decisions, the person designated by this document has the legal right to make such decisions on your behalf. Such an individual can also be designated to make health care decisions in a situation where you are unable to give consent.
In the case of inheritance disputes, the legal practitioner can be called upon to settle the matter. As a legal professional who has been present with you during your will writing process, he will be in the best position to resolve the dispute in favor of your wishes. The presence of such a professional will also help reduce the stress and agitation on your heirs part during this highly emotional time.
An estate planning lawyer is a powerful ally during the process of planning for the future of your assets and loved ones. Like any legal procedure, writing a will can be an overwhelming task. Consulting a legal professional can make this task considerably more efficient and reliable.