The 4 Real Reasons to Plan

When people are asked about why they are planning, the most common answer I hear is “for peace of mind.”  But how does planning give you peace of mind?

The common answer is it leaves you less to worry about.  But how?

It is my belief there are 4 reasons estate planning is invaluable and lead to peace of mind:

 Safety/Security/Protection

             Safety, security, and protection are where most people stop talking when you ask them about the advantages and value of estate planning.

Planning does protect you and your family against creditors, financial predators, and gold diggers.  Planning protects your hard earned wealth from being wasted by children on frivolous things.

Planning protects your children and spouse because it provides them a safety net.

Planning provides safety, security, and protection.  But, what else do you get?

Predictability/Knowing

             While nobody can predict the future with 100% accuracy, you can predict what happens with and without a plan.

You can predict how things will be taken care of.  You know your children or spouse don’t have to make tough decisions in the future because you have made them now.  You know that brothers and sisters won’t have to argue over agonizing choices.

Without a plan you risk the opposite of everything above.  Your children, spouse, brother, and sisters may agonize of your tough decisions.  They may fight and squabble.  A judge may even end up getting involved to settle the dispute.

 Certainty

             You can be certain about the outcome of your future.  You will know who is there for you.  You will know who gets what and when they get it.  You will be certain that wealth will stay in the family.

You can be certain of the success of your plan.

Roadmap to Success

As has been said, estate planning is about protection, certainty, and predictability.  However, the real job is to understand where you are now and where you want to be tomorrow.  Then the job is to craft a plan for your success.

Success is protecting you during your lifetime; transferring your wealth to the people you want to have it in the amount you want at the time you want; and minimize costs, fees, and taxes.

This requires the documents of estate planning:  a Last Will and Testament, Powers of Attorney for property and healthcare, Beneficiary Designations, maybe a Trust, and tax advice.

 

The post The 4 Real Reasons to Plan appeared first on DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC.

from DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC http://ift.tt/2eLQwUL


from DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC

3 Reasons to Move Estate Planning to the Top of Your TO DO List

I thought of three good reasons that you should move estate planning to the top of your to do list:

1. Estate planning doesn’t take as much time as you might think
   
2. Planning is very important to the emotional well being, protection, and welfare of your family
   
3. The State can interfere with your care and choices unless you build a wall between you and the State

-Gary

The post 3 Reasons to Move Estate Planning to the Top of Your TO DO List appeared first on DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC.

from DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC http://ift.tt/2dvnB6o


from DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC

Local Advantages Part 3

The post Local Advantages Part 3 appeared first on DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC.

from DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC http://ift.tt/2dN3Rf7


from DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC

Local Advantages – Part 2

11. Workbook

With the comprehensive workbook, you won’t overlook any important details.  This workbook goes beyond traditional planning and into family information that should be known by both spouses, like what bills are due when.

12. Notary Service

Small things add up to big service.  Not only do we provide notary services for the signings, but if prior customers need something notarized, just give us a holler.

13. Local Representation

Nothing like having a local attorney on your side.  I’ve been here since 1992 and don’t have plans on leaving any time soon.

14. Continuity of Service

With online services, you never know who is going to be on the other end of the phone.  With local service, you get the same people time and time again.  This gives us a chance to form professional and personal relationships that benefit us both.

15. Community Support

Local company, local support.  I don’t know about other firms, but we are active and busy in the community.

16. Notification of Important Legal Changes

Part of being an estate planning attorney is keeping up with the changes to the law.  Then we let you know what the changes are and how they will affect you

17. Personal Touch

Every job has a personal touch.  Instead of the cold impersonal aura of the internet.  Part of that personal touch is listening and coaching you through whatever problem you are having

18. Local Representation in Court if Needed

If you need to go to court for any reason, local people can be there by your side. You don’t get that with an online service

19. Defend and Advocate Your Plan

If anybody challenges a plan we’ve written, then we are there for you.  We will be by your side in and out of court.

20. Representation in Other Matters

Just because a firm practices mainly in estate planning/probate and elder law doesn’t mean that we don’t handle other things.

The post Local Advantages – Part 2 appeared first on DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC.

from DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC http://ift.tt/2dlVYR4


from DeWitt Law Firm, PLLC