Planning your estate can be complicated, it can also be as easy as ABC; this boils down to the plans you want for your estate and other circumstances surrounding your estate. Most people contact an estate planning attorney when they decide to plan their estate while others prefer to do it themselves. Contacting an estate planning attorney comes with lots of benefits. It minimizes mistakes, it makes the process a lot easier, and with the help of such professional, you’ll plan an estate that will protect you if you become incapacitated and your family of anything happens to you.
An estate planning attorney can provide you with valuable advice on how to share your assets, he or she can also fill you in on the necessary documents that would be needed to ensure that your instructions are met.
How much do estate planning attorneys charge?
One major reason why most people prefer to plan their estate themselves is because of the cost of hiring an attorney. Of course, hiring one can be cost, but trust me, it is worth it.
When dealing with complex matters, or if the case involves settling a dispute, an estate planning attorney will definitely charge you more, and will get the job done. Estate planning attorneys don’t charge a fixed fee for the services they render. How much they charge depends on the service they are rendering including the state where such service is being rendered.
Don’t look at the money, rather look at the benefits. An estate planning attorney knows how estate planning works, they know how to escape certain unnecessary taxes that could burden your family members in the event of your death, they know how to escape the stressful, expensive and time-consuming probate process, they are also very familiar with the estate laws of the state you reside in.
If you decide against hiring an estate planning attorney and you plan an estate that ends up not protecting those you care about, you may not live to see the consequences of your actions but those you those you claim you care about will be affected.
Estate Planning In New York
Estate planning may be a general term, but the plan is unique in all states. This simply denotes that, estate plans differ in each states. In New York, there are some crucial documents that are required to for an estate plan to work. These documents are:
Will
A will is a very common document. In fact, it is one of the most important elements of estate planning. A will can be regarded as a legal document that holds the wish of the testator regarding his or her assets. Written in a will is not only the names of the estate beneficiaries, including the assets they are to inherit, but also the name of the estate executor.
One can also state how he or she wish to be buried in a will. The burial site, the method of burial, etc. can be stated in a will.
A durable power of Attorney for finance
You will have to designate someone who will oversee your finances it needed. A durable power of attorney is the document that can help you achieve that.
A living will
In New York, a living will is regarded as a document that directs health care. In this document you are to state your dying wishes.
A health care proxy
A health care proxy contains the name of an individual who is to ensure that your health care wishes are fulfilled.
Estate Planning Lawyer
When planning your estate, you may require the help of an expert. An estate planning attorney boast of the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to walk you through the estate planning process. With the assistance of the attorney, you will plan an estate that conforms to your wishes and the laws of your state.
If you live in New York and you have finally decided to plan your estate but you need advice or assistance on how to get it done easily, you can contact us. We will provide you with the best estate planning attorney.