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Don't Wait for Surgery or Health Crisis to Create an Estate Plan

Don't Wait for Surgery or Health Crisis to Create an Estate Plan

Troy Werner and his family

Written by Troy Werner

Troy Werner has been an indispensable asset to The Werner Law Firm since joining in 2009, providing exceptional legal service to its clients.

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POSTED ON: July 10, 2024

Create an estate plan before a health crisis to ensure that your wishes are respected and reduce stress for your loved ones.

Estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of age or health status. Good estate planning protects your wishes, assets, and your loved ones. However, many don’t start thinking about estate planning until they have a health crisis. This tends to bring stress, complications, and other problems that are avoidable with proactive estate planning.

What are the Risks of Delaying Estate Planning?

Many people delay estate planning until they face a serious health issue. Without a plan, you might lose control over your assets, healthcare, and even your children. Your loved ones may also face legal battles in probate. Many families have suffered avoidable financial hardship because the courts held up a deceased loved one’s assets.

Estate planning isn’t just for your loved ones. If you cannot care for yourself, the courts must appoint someone to make your financial and health decisions. Laying out a power of attorney, medical proxy and other documents can keep you in control.

Common Barriers to Estate Planning

Even those who understand the importance of estate planning often procrastinate. According to a study by Caring.com, the main reasons include:

  • Lack of assets: People believe they don’t have enough assets to leave behind.
  • Complicated process: Individuals fear the process is too complicated and don’t know where to start.
  • No beneficiaries: They don’t have someone to leave assets for.
  • Other priorities: More pressing issues need to be addressed.

When to Start Estate Planning?

According to ElderLawAnswers, you should begin estate planning when you turn 18. Even young adults can benefit from having basic documents, like a will and a healthcare proxy. The sooner you start, the more prepared you’ll be for unexpected events.

What are the Essential Estate Planning Documents?

Before you can start estate planning, you'll need a few estate planning documents. These include:

  • Will: A will specifies who will inherit your assets and who will be the guardian of your minor children.
  • Power of Attorney: This document allows you to designate someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
  • Healthcare Proxy: A healthcare proxy lets you appoint someone to make medical decisions if you cannot.
  • Living Will: A living will outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care.

Don't Wait for a Health Crisis

Estate planning is a crucial step to protect your future peace of mind. Don’t wait for a health crisis to start planning; start today. Contact us and schedule a consultation with your estate planning attorneys to develop a custom plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Ensures Control: You maintain control over your assets, healthcare decisions, and guardianship of minor children.
  • Reduces Stress: Proper planning prevents unnecessary stress and legal battles for your loved ones.
  • Protects Assets: An estate plan safeguards your assets from legal complications and unnecessary taxes.
  • Provides Peace of Mind: Knowing your wishes are documented and will be respected provides peace of mind for you and your family.

If you're still young and healthy but would like to set up your estate plan to be prepared for the unexpected, we are always happy to help. Our probate attorneys in Los Angeles can guide you through it.

If you have any questions, schedule a free appointment with us through our online appointment page.

You can also read reviews from some of the hundreds of clients we have helped over the years.

References: Caring (2024) “2024 Wills and Estate Planning Study - Caring.com" and ElderLawAnswers (April 5th, 2023) “Don't Wait Until You're Sick to Create an Estate Plan

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Why Our Living Trust Law Firm & Probate Attorneys?

Founded in 1975 by L. Rob Werner and serving California for over 48 years, our dedicated attorneys are available for clients, friends, and family members to receive the legal help they need and deserve. You can trust in our experience and reputation to help navigate you through your unique legal matters.

Whether you need help creating a living trust or navigating probate, our living trust law firm's compassionate team of estate planning lawyers and probate lawyers are here to help you and ready to answer your questions.

Our goal is to make your case as easy as possible for you. Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. From the moment you contact our firm, through the final resolution of your case, our goal is to make the process easy and understandable. We cannot change the fact that probate is a long and complicated process, but through our Werner Law Firm Difference, we strive to go out of our way to keep you informed of your case through every step of the way. We are constantly refining our processes and procedures for a more streamlined and calm client experience. Our goal is to have you feel like a burden was lifted from your shoulders, and that we made the whole process an easy one

If you're dealing with a legal matter, we urge you to schedule a free initial appointment today and join the many satisfied clients who have contacted Werner Law Firm.

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