If you have been reading my blog, you know I always recommend hiring an Estate Planning Attorney to help you put your documents in place and advise you based on your needs. The purpose of this post is to give advice that can apply if you have a plan or are putting together information to meet with an Estate Planning attorney.
Take an inventory of your Assets.
Clients often think Estate Planning is all about liquid assets, but also make sure you take stock of your physical belongings, sentimental items, and digital assets.
Review your beneficiaries regularly.
With every life event, your beneficiaries can change. Typical events that will cause beneficiary changes or additions include births, deaths, marriage, and divorce.
Review your Estate Plan Annually.
In addition to updating your beneficiaries, many aspects of your Estate Plan will change and shift as life goes on —any annual review at tax time is a great habit.
Discuss probate laws with your attorney.
Probate laws are different in every state and county, and it’s essential to be aware. Probate is how a Will is vetted or “proved” in a court of law. Once the Will is proved, your executor can start taking actions as instructed in your Estate Plan.
Keep your documents organized.
Along with your Estate Plan will come many associated documents and statements meant to assist your executors in carrying out your wishes. You’ll want to keep your records in a safe, secure place, and you’ll want to keep them neatly organized. That way, your loved ones will be able to locate information quickly.
Heidi S. Webb, Attorney at Law, serves clients all over the state of Florida with Estate Planning and Probate. She has offices in Daytona Beach and Melbourne but can meet via phone or Zoom with clients statewide. Contact her today to schedule a free consultation. Visit her page on Facebook or see what her clients are saying to learn more about Heidi at www.heidiwebb.com.
