What is Estate Planning Law?
The practice area of estate planning law involves the drafting of living wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other documents to facilitate the transfer and management of property after death.
Although a difficult topic to discuss, death is a reality that everyone must face and it’s incredibly important to have a strategy in place before the inevitable happens. Why should you care? When estates aren’t managed and someone dies without a will, their possessions will distributed to their next of kin. By not making a will or otherwise making estate plans, the individual gives up control of their estate and has no say in how the property is divided.
Do I Need an Estate Planning Attorney?
Some common reasons for hiring an estate planning lawyer include the need to create a Will, Living Will, Trust, or an Overall Estate Plan.
Depending on the complexity of the estate, the health of the individual, and other factors, practically everyone may need the services of an estate planning lawyer at some point. Sometimes individuals will work with a lawyer on behalf of a relative or loved one who is no longer able to manage their own affairs. After having children, some families decide to create trusts, which is a document similar to a will, but also helps manage property before death.