Six Assets to Keep Out of an Estate Plan

Estate planning is one of the most important ways to care for your family after you're gone. However, it's not as simple as leaving everything to your loved ones. Some assets may seem valuable or sentimental. However, they can become burdens rather than blessings. Here are six assets that may cause more trouble than they're worth—and what you can do about it.

Do Kids Want the Timeshare?

You might love your vacation timeshare. However, it can become a major headache for your children. Timeshares often come with ongoing fees and difficult-to-obtain contracts. When your kids inherit your timeshare, they may be on the hook for rising costs they didn't ask for.

To avoid this, Kiplinger advises asking your family whether they want the timeshare after you're gone. If they don't, consider selling it now while you're still around so it doesn't become a financial burden to your heirs.

Are Your Collectibles Valuable?

Whether it's a stamp collection or an antique piece of art, you might think your collectibles are treasures. However, for your heirs, figuring out their actual value can be tricky. Without an experienced eye, they may undervalue or even overlook essential items.

If you own valuable collectibles, ensure that your heirs know where they are, what they're worth, and whom to trust when it comes time to sell. Getting them appraised beforehand can save your family from confusion and arguments.

How to Handle Guns in Your Estate Plan

Guns present a unique challenge in estate planning. Different states have different rules about how firearms can be transferred after death. Sometimes, your heirs may only have a short window to handle the transfer before they get into legal trouble.

To make things easier for your family, consider talking with an estate planning attorney about the proper permits and legal steps that your heirs must take. Creating a gun trust may be one option. You might also want to work with a licensed gun dealer to ensure a smooth transition.

Preparing a Business for Succession

Planning for what happens after you're gone is essential if you own a business. Without a clear succession plan, your family could face financial struggles or legal disputes, especially if multiple heirs are involved.

An excellent way to avoid these issues is by conversing with an estate planning attorney about the best way to transition your business. Whether selling the company or passing it down to family, having a solid plan can keep your legacy intact.

Will Your Vacation Property Cause Family Fights?

A vacation property sounds like a dream come true—until siblings start fighting over who gets to use it. Disputes over maintenance, costs and how often each person can visit can cause significant family rifts.

To prevent these conflicts, talk to your heirs now. Find out if they want the property and whether they're willing to share the responsibilities. You can also leave instructions in your estate plan about handling the expenses or suggest selling the property if it's too much for them to manage.

Is Physical Property Worth the Trouble?

Physical items like jewelry or family heirlooms might hold sentimental value but can cause disagreements among heirs. Who gets what? How do you fairly divide items that can't be split evenly? These are questions that can lead to heated arguments.

One way to ease this burden is by giving away items while you're still alive, so you can see your family enjoy them. If you're not ready to part with them, clearly outlining who gets what in your will can help reduce future disputes.

Key Takeaways

• Prevent financial burden: Leaving problematic assets, like timeshares or vacation properties, can cause unnecessary expenses for your heirs.
• Minimize family conflict: Careful planning of physical items and valuable collectibles helps reduce disputes among loved ones.
• Ensure legal compliance: Transferring assets, like guns and businesses, requires attention to legal requirements to protect your heirs.
• Avoid stress for your heirs: Streamlining your estate plan with easily managed assets, like cash, can save your family from future headaches.
• Start discussions early: Talking to your heirs now can clarify what they want and help you adjust your plan for their benefit.

If you're unsure how to handle certain assets in your estate plan, now is the perfect time to talk to an estate planning attorney. The Wener Law Firm's estate planning attorneys can help you create a plan that protects your loved ones and ensures that your legacy is a blessing, not a burden.

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.

Reference: Kiplinger (Aug. 16, 2024) "Six of the Worst Assets to Inherit"