Estate planning questions to ask and answer

Many of our regular Brevard County blog readers will recall that we recently wrote a post about dispelling estate planning myths. In this post, we’re going to take a look at some questions to ask and answer to ensure that your estate plan will give you and your loved ones the protections you seek.

The first question to ask: if your will current? If it has been years since you sat down with your estate planning attorney to draft this important document, it might need a refresh. For instance, an update is called for if you have changed your marital status or if you have sold a home or a business.

Of course, if you do not yet have a will, creating one should be your top estate planning priority.

Another question to ask and answer about your will: is it detailed enough? Most people are careful to account for distribution of big-ticket items (their home, business, stocks, vehicles, a pension plan, etc.) but sometimes overlook items that aren’t worth a lot of money, but have tremendous sentimental value.

For instance, a family Bible or photos of you and your children and similar mementos. Disputes over sentimental keepsakes can sometimes tear a grieving family apart. That’s just part of why a carefully considered estate plan can be so important after a loved one passes.

If you’re a caregiver, have you made arrangements for the care of the parent, spouse, child, etc., currently receiving your help? Also, don’t forget to make plans for the pets in your care.

All of these questions and many more can be answered with the help of a Cocoa attorney experienced in estate planning.