5 Signs It’s Time to Start Your Estate Plan

5 Signs It's Time to Start Your Estate Plan

Many people think of estate planning as something to handle "someday." In practice, the right time is usually tied to a moment in life, not a birthday. If any of these five milestones apply to you, it may be time to sit down with an attorney.

1. You've welcomed a child or grandchild. A new family member often raises important questions: who would care for your children if something happened to you, and how would you like to provide for them? An estate plan lets you answer those questions yourself.

2. You've married, divorced, or remarried. Changes in a relationship can affect who you want making decisions for you and who you want to benefit from your estate. Blended families in particular benefit from a clear, intentional plan.

3. You've bought a home or property. For many families, a home is their most significant asset. Planning ahead helps make sure it passes the way you intend, with as little difficulty as possible for your loved ones.

4. You own or are starting a business. Business owners have extra considerations, like who will manage or inherit the business and how to keep it running smoothly during a transition.

5. Your plan is years old, or you don't have one. Laws, finances, and relationships change over time. A plan that fit your life a decade ago may no longer reflect your wishes. If you've never created a plan, today is a good day to begin.

Taking the first step

Estate planning doesn't have to be overwhelming. At Golden Heart Law, we walk clients through the process in plain language and help build a plan that fits their family and goals. To schedule a consultation, call us at 907-474-4529 or visit www.goldenheartlaw.com.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.