| Most of us don't like to think about estate | | | | planning can change frequently. |
| planning. It seems morbid to think about our | | | | |
| demise, so we sweep it under the rug and | | | | Make sure to update your will any time there |
| don't prepare ourselves and our families for | | | | is a marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, |
| the worst. However, without estate planning, | | | | birth or adoption of children, or a move to |
| your family will have to deal with a trip to | | | | another state. Make sure the changes are made |
| probate court. | | | | to your will as soon as possible. |
| | | | |
| Your loved ones will have enough to deal | | | | For example, you wouldn't want a child |
| with, so take care of your planning and | | | | deprived of his or her inheritance, or your |
| you'll be doing them a big favor. | | | | ex-spouse to gain control of your estate. |
| | | | These examples should help you see why proper |
| Can I Use Estate Planning Software? | | | | planning is so important! |
| | | | |
| If you check your local computer store, you | | | | Try to be disciplined and not allow more than |
| can usually find several versions of planning | | | | a month to go by after important events |
| software. You may wonder, though, are they | | | | before you update your will as needed. |
| legally binding? | | | | |
| | | | What Else Is Involved in Estate Planning? |
| Will the information be applicable to my | | | | |
| state and my situation? The good news is that | | | | When handling your planning, you want to be |
| estate planning software has never been more | | | | sure not to miss any steps. Whether you use |
| easy to use. Often, you simply start the | | | | estate planning software or have an attorney |
| program, answer a series of questions, and | | | | handle the necessary documents, you'll want |
| the necessary documents are prepared, ready | | | | to take great care to make sure that all the |
| to print. However, you should still have all | | | | proprieties are observed. |
| documents checked by an attorney. | | | | |
| | | | Make sure that your will is witnessed by the |
| Even with an attorney's fee, you can still | | | | correct number of people. Also, none of your |
| save a lot of money with planning software. | | | | witnesses should be your beneficiaries. |
| The time it takes the lawyer to review your | | | | Ascertain that you have a named executor, and |
| documents will be very short compared to | | | | that this person is willing and able to |
| having original papers drawn up. | | | | handle your estate when needed. |
| | | | |
| With software prices getting lower every day, | | | | Some of the planning choices that you'll need |
| you can find a good estate planning program | | | | to make will be personal, such as |
| for less than $50 at most stores where | | | | guardianships for your children, and some |
| software is sold. | | | | will be pure business, such as how to handle |
| | | | your stake in your family's company. |
| What Do I Need Besides a Will? | | | | |
| | | | When it comes to estate planning, each and |
| Assuming that you are over 21, you will need | | | | every decision is important to your loved |
| a health care proxy and a durable power of | | | | ones' futures. Don't allow your distaste at |
| attorney. Find these forms in your planning | | | | the subject of planning to keep you from |
| software, or ask your lawyer. | | | | handling this task as soon as possible. If |
| | | | you've never done any planning like this, |
| They will save you a lot of time in case of | | | | start today. |
| an emergency medical situation. These | | | | |
| documents shouldn't need to be updated unless | | | | If you've had all of your pertinent estate |
| something drastic happens, such as the person | | | | planning finished for years, have it |
| that you chose to have power of attorney | | | | reviewed. It's just too vital to be put off |
| passes away, but you should review your will | | | | another day. Think of your family and get |
| every few years. Laws governing estate | | | | going! |