Estate Administration Lawyer Wilkes-Barre, PA
A Wilkes-Barre, PA estate administration lawyer knows that although many people understand that estate planning is a critical factor in planning for their future, the majority of people don’t do it. They realize that they should have a will, a legal guardian for their children, a durable power of attorney, and other tools in place, yet it is one of the most procrastinated legal issues. At Hoegen & Associates, P.C., we understand the reasons why people don’t like to think about estate planning and are happy to work with clients to come up with the best plan for their families.
National Statistics
Surveys show that while approximately 70 percent of Americans say they seriously consider drafting a will, less than half of that number actually have taken the steps to do it. And although about 90 percent of parents say they feel it is important to discuss their estate plans with their adult children, only one in four actually have an estate plan in place.
What Do You Want in Your Estate Plan?
Now that you have decided that it is time to draft your estate plan, there are some important factors to consider. The first factor is choosing a skilled Wilkes-Barre estate administration lawyer. Although there are many DIY online forms available on the internet, the reality is that estate planning laws are complex and one error can result in a will, power of attorney, or any other document being declared invalid.
Issues that you may need to address in your estate plan include:
- If you have minor or special needs children, who will you choose as their legal guardian and raise them?
- Are there family members or relatives that you absolutely do not want to inherit anything from your estate? If so, that needs to be specified in your will.
- Are there important people in your life who are not family members but to who you want to leave something? That also needs to be specified in your will.
- Who do you want to name as the executor of your estate? This person will be in charge of the oversight of your estate.
- Do you have pets? Who do you want to take care of them should something happen to you and will there be funds available for their care?
- In the event you become incapacitated, who will be in charge of making any medical decisions on your behalf? This can be addressed in a healthcare power of attorney. Who would you want to handle all of your financial matters? This can be addressed in a durable power of attorney.
Contact an Estate Lawyer for More Information
If you would like to learn more about drawing up a solid estate plan, call Hoegen & Associates, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Wilkes-Barre, PA estate administration lawyer. We will evaluate your situation and recommend what estate planning tools are the best option to make sure your family is protected when you are no longer here.
