Estate planning is a legal necessity many people want to avoid. Unfortunately, many people neglect to take care of their estate planning needs, which means that their families may face a lot of pain and confusion after their passing. If you want to avoid potential problems arising from your estate, an estate planning attorney will become a critical facet of your life. These are some things you need to know about estate planning.

Estate Planning Can Be Uncomfortable

Death is a touchy topic, and it is one that many people do not want to talk about, let alone think about. Unfortunately, estate planning requires you to think about death on some level. You have to think about what you want to happen after you pass, and you have to put it in writing. You may need to talk to others to become more comfortable with the idea and to discuss your desires for the future.

You Need a Will

If you die without a will, your family will suffer the consequences. This means that they may not know what your wishes were, or they may assume your wishes. This means the people you wanted to support may be left out in the cold.

Planning now, and planning early, means that you can cover all your bases. You get to determine who you want to support and through what means when you take control over the process and write out your will.

Remember that this will needs to encompass everything you own, from bank accounts and vehicles to homes and stocks. Failure to include everything means that you could end up with your estate going to probate, which can be a long and frustrating process.

You Also Need a Living Will

In addition to having a will, you also need a living will. Estate planning also covers what happens if you are alive but unable to make medical decisions for yourself. The living will determines what happens if you are on a ventilator, for instance. Who will make these medical decisions for you?

Estate Planning Should Involve an Attorney

It is always a good idea to work with an estate planning attorney when you determine what will happen in the next stage of life. Attorneys help you do everything from writing your documents to keep them organized after the fact. Schedule an appointment with an attorney today at a local firm like Skeen Law Offices to discuss your situation.