| f us don't like to think about estate planning. It | | | | governing estate planning can change frequently. |
| seems morbid to think about our demise, so we | | | | Make sure to update your will any time there is a |
| sweep it under the rug and don't prepare ourselves | | | | marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, birth or |
| and our families for the worst. However, without | | | | adoption of children, or a move to another state. |
| estate planning, your family will have to deal with a | | | | Make sure the changes are made to your will as |
| trip to probate court. | | | | soon as possible. |
| Your loved ones will have enough to deal with, so | | | | For example, you wouldn't want a child deprived of |
| take care of your planning and you'll be doing them a | | | | his or her inheritance, or your ex-spouse to gain |
| big favor. | | | | control of your estate. These examples should help |
| Can I Use Estate Planning Software? | | | | you see why proper planning is so important! |
| If you check your local computer store, you can | | | | Try to be disciplined and not allow more than a |
| usually find several versions of planning software. You | | | | month to go by after important events before you |
| may wonder, though, are they legally binding? | | | | update your will as needed. |
| Will the information be applicable to my state and my | | | | What Else Is Involved in Estate Planning? |
| situation? The good news is that estate planning | | | | When handling your planning, you want to be sure |
| software has never been more easy to use. Often, | | | | not to miss any steps. Whether you use estate |
| you simply start the program, answer a series of | | | | planning software or have an attorney handle the |
| questions, and the necessary documents are | | | | necessary documents, you'll want to take great care |
| prepared, ready to print. However, you should still | | | | to make sure that all the proprieties are observed. |
| have all documents checked by an attorney. | | | | Make sure that your will is witnessed by the correct |
| Even with an attorney's fee, you can still save a lot | | | | number of people. Also, none of your witnesses |
| of money with planning software. The time it takes | | | | should be your beneficiaries. Ascertain that you have |
| the lawyer to review your documents will be very | | | | a named executor, and that this person is willing and |
| short compared to having original papers drawn up. | | | | able to handle your estate when needed. |
| With software prices getting lower every day, you | | | | Some of the planning choices that you'll need to |
| can find a good estate planning program for less than | | | | make will be personal, such as guardianships for your |
| $50 at most stores where software is sold. | | | | children, and some will be pure business, such as how |
| What Do I Need Besides a Will? | | | | to handle your stake in your family's company. |
| Assuming that you are over 21, you will need a | | | | When it comes to estate planning, each and every |
| health care proxy and a durable power of attorney. | | | | decision is important to your loved ones' futures. |
| Find these forms in your planning software, or ask | | | | Don't allow your distaste at the subject of planning |
| your lawyer. | | | | to keep you from handling this task as soon as |
| They will save you a lot of time in case of an | | | | possible. If you've never done any planning like this, |
| emergency medical situation. These documents | | | | start today. |
| shouldn't need to be updated unless something | | | | If you've had all of your pertinent estate planning |
| drastic happens, such as the person that you chose | | | | finished for years, have it reviewed. It's just too vital |
| to have power of attorney passes away, but you | | | | to be put off another day. Think of your family and |
| should review your will every few years. Laws | | | | get going! |