Estate Planning Made Easy. Think “Big Picture” to start

Three “Big Picture” Questions You Need to Ask When Planning Your Estate

When starting down the path of getting your life organized and putting the necessary legal documents in place to take care of events that occur in every person’s life, just think about the “Big Picture” at first.

What usually prevents people from getting started on estate planning is what we call “paralysis by analysis.”   What that means is that you get so bogged-down in figuring out small details that you over-think all of the “what ifs” and that prevents you from getting anything done at all.

Here’s the key: Just get started with the big picture.  Later on, if you want to fine-tune or change a detail, it is easy to do.  However, you have to create something first.

I’ve been doing estate planning for people for 32 years.  After the initial consultation, people routinely say “Gee. I didn’t know this was going to be so easy and straight-forward. I should have done this years ago.”

So, let me help you get started.  60% of people don’t have an effective estate plan and their family suffers the consequences for their lack of planning.  Don’t be one of those people.

Getting started is the hardest part.  So, let me help you get started. Call 253.815.6940 x701 to schedule a free consultation.  We can talk in person, over the phone or by video conference using Apple Face Time.  You can also send me an email at [email protected] to send me some initial questions.

You can’t plan an estate, make a will, or establish a trust without answering three key questions. These questions create the foundation of documents such as living wills, medical directives, and trusts.

Before you begin your estate planning, answer these three questions:

• Whom do you want to inherit your assets? The answer to this question can and will change over the years. It could be family, friends, a charity, or grandchildren. It could even be a family pet. Whoever it is, planning ahead can make sure they get the most benefit possible.

• Who do you want to handle your finances when you can’t? There are a number of circumstances in which you may no longer be considered of sound mind. Many of these circumstances are unforeseeable, or, if you’ve been diagnosed with any long-term condition, this may be a reality sooner rather than later. Keep in mind this circumstance may not entail being in a coma or completely unconscious. Many conditions can render you able to take care of yourself but not make smart financial decisions for yourself or your family. By deciding these conditions ahead of time, you can empower yourself even in the weakest of times.

• Who do you want making medical decisions on your behalf? If you’re ever in any kind of accident, undergoing a medical procedure, or just in bad condition medically, you need someone who can look out for your best interests. Doctors and medical staff are required by law to do everything they can to preserve life. Family members are too emotionally close to a situation to be able to make hard medical decisions. You can eliminate uncertainty and make sure your wishes are carried out by assigning a health-care proxy who not only knows your wishes in extreme situations, but has the legal power to act on them.

It’s that simple to get started. Think Big Picture first.

Over the past 32 years, the Law Offices of Christopher A. Benson has helped more than 900 clients prepare and utilize simple and effective planning techniques to protect them and their families in order to avoid probate, save estate taxes, save money and save added emotional burden that comes from long term illness and/or death of a family member. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation to find out how we can help you and your family.