How Can You Avoid Your Loved Ones Dealing with Probate?
Or practice works with families that are going through divorces and child custody battles. We understand the hardship and stress this places on parents and children involved. Family matters are one of the most difficult life changing events to go through, including the loss of a loved one. When a loved one passes, what happens to their possessions? This may not be something that you are thinking of now; however, it is important to do so because life is not guaranteed.
Probate is essentially the legal process that occurs after someone passes away. It puts all of their items and assets through court to tax and make sure that they are given to the proper people. A probate lawyer, can talk you through everything and offer suggestions of how to make things easier on your loved ones upon your passing. After all, that is what estate planning is, right? Trying to make life easier on your loved ones after you are gone. Here are some ways that you can help your friends and family avoid at least part of the probate process.
Give Away Gifts While You Are Still Around
One of the best ways to avoid probate is by giving your loved ones presents while you are still alive. Not only does this make it so that the government does not see any of these items, but it also can bring the person giving items joy. Instead of having your loved ones think of you after you are gone, you can give them the memory of receiving the gift directly from yourself. This can be really good if you are giving expensive items that will no longer be taxed, or if you give the gift of money.
Put Items in a Trust
By creating something like a revocable living trust, you can ensure that your loved ones get the most out of your assets but that you can continue using your things while you are still alive. It is important to speak with a probate lawyer about this so that you do it correctly. He or she can go over your concerns to determine what assets to leave in a trust and how detailed you want to get in it. A trust can also offer useful information for what to do if you ever need a medical power of attorney. You can appoint someone you trust to do what you want, as well as detail out as many scenarios as you would like so that people know what your wishes are in case you are ever in a bad situation.
Contact a Lawyer Today
If you are wondering how to make the estate planning process the absolute easiest it can be, you should contact a probate lawyer today. He or she can look at what you already have planned and help you make more plans to ensure the process goes more smoothly for your loved ones once you are gone. Your probate lawyer will make sure your wishes are adhered to after your passing and will continue to follow up with loved ones and the people who are beneficiaries in your estate to ensure they get the items that you wanted them to have. Your family is your main priority in all aspects. You’ve worked hard your whole life to earn money and take care of your family. You deserve to have your final wishes granted.
