When to Consult a Professional
While this guide provides a solid foundation of knowledge, it is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. The internet can give you information, but only a qualified estate planning attorney can give you guidance tailored to your specific situation, your family’s needs, and your state’s laws.
So, when is it especially important to seek professional help?
You should strongly consider consulting an attorney if any of the following apply to you:
-
You have a blended family. Second marriages with children from previous relationships can create complex inheritance issues. An attorney can help you structure a plan that provides for your current spouse while ensuring your children are also protected.
-
You have a beneficiary with special needs. Leaving a direct inheritance to a person receiving government benefits (like SSI or Medicaid) could disqualify them. An attorney can help you set up a “special needs trust” to provide for your loved one without jeopardizing their eligibility for these critical programs.
-
You own a business. Your estate plan needs to include a succession plan for your business. Who will take over? How will it be valued? A professional can help you navigate these complex questions to ensure the business you built can continue to thrive.
-
You own property in more than one state. If you own a primary residence in one state and a vacation home in another, your estate could be subject to probate in both states. An attorney can help you use tools like a trust to avoid this costly and complicated scenario.
-
You have a large or potentially taxable estate. Estate tax laws are complex and change over time. An experienced attorney can help you with advanced planning strategies to minimize or eliminate potential estate taxes.
-
You want to leave assets to charity. An attorney can help you explore the most tax-efficient ways to make charitable gifts through your estate plan.
-
You simply want peace of mind. Even if your situation seems straightforward, working with a professional ensures that your documents are drafted correctly, properly executed, and that your plan will work as intended when it’s needed most. This peace of mind is invaluable.
An initial consultation with an estate planning attorney is often free or offered at a low cost. It’s an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and understand your options before making any commitments.
For official information, consult government resources like USA.gov, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
For tax-related topics, refer to the IRS. For information on Social Security, visit the Social Security Administration.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.
