"Estate planning" in Billings refers to the decisions a person makes concerning what is to be done with their assets after their death, and the procedure of implementing those wishes.
Estate planning typically requires professional legal and financial advice, because of the complexity and importance of the issues involved. A poorly-executed estate plan can frequently end with survivors suing each other, and prevent your intentions from being effectuated.
In addition to deciding what to do with your assets after your death, your estate plan should also contain things that might become relevant during life. Power of attorney is a big one. Power of attorney is an arrangement in which you provide another person the ability to make decisions for you, if you become incapacitated. Additionally, effective estate planning can help reduce the effect of taxes and court fees on your final disposition to your chosen beneficiaries.
A reliable Billings professional experienced in estate planning can make this procedure a great deal easier. They can also help ensure that your estate plan does not end up in court.
Common Features of Billings Estates
Will: Wills are a very important part of almost all estate plans. In simplest terms, it answers the question "who gets what after I die?" Usually, you can leave your property to anyone you wish. If you die without a will, your property will usually be given to your closest living relative (usually a spouse or child).
Living Will: Living wills are also very critical for most people. Essentially, a living will tells everyone concerned (your next of kin, and your doctor) what type of medical care you want if you become incapacitated. It normally includes the circumstances under which a person wishes to be kept on life support, when they want to be taken off of life support, and, sometimes, instructions on when medical staff should and should not attempt resuscitation.
Power of Attorney: This is an arrangement in which you give someone else, typically a trusted family member, the permission to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf, in case you become unable to make or express your own decisions.
Funeral Arrangements: What do you want done with your body after you die? Do you want to be cremated? How about buried? Or maybe you want to be cremated, and have your remains shot into space? Whatever your preference, you won't exactly be able to tell anyone when the time comes. Consequently, you should make your desires on this matter known well in advance. You also shouldn't make your will the only place where these instructions are included, since it might not be read for weeks after your death, when it will likely be too late.
Do I Need a Billings Estates Lawyer?
A poorly drafted or executed Billings estate plan can have major negative consequences. For instance, it might be confusing to the people who are most directly affected by it. This confusion can frequently lead to costly litigation. For that reason, the guidance of an efficient estate planning attorney can be invaluable.
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