Most people in Lewistown have preferences about what should be done with their property after they die. This is why the procedure of estate planning exists - it permits people to make a broad range of decisions related to this issue.

You will frequently need to seek the help of a professional with legal and/or financial expertise when in the process of estate planning. Simple mistakes in an estate plan can cause egregious problems, including legal and personal conflicts between your survivors.

In addition to post-death decisions, estate planning also concerns issues that might affect you during your life, such as granting power of attorney to a family member or trusted friend in case you become unable to make your own decisions regarding your finances or medical care. Moreover, effective estate planning can minimize the impact that estate taxes and court fees will have on your final disposition to your loved ones.

A reliable Lewistown 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 Lewistown Estates

Will: This is the centerpiece of most estate plans. A will is a document written by a person (the "testator"), typically with the help of a lawyer, which says what is to be done with their property after they die. Most provisions in a will are legally binding, to the extent that ownership of the property legally passes to the named beneficiary. Nonetheless, a will cannot compel a person to do anything against their wishes (though it can certainly state your preferences on the matter, phrasing them as requests).

Living Will: A living will contains instructions about your medical care, usually for the purpose of informing your family and doctors of your preferences if you suddenly become incapacitated. A living will is quite essential if you have any strong preferences in this area. It should be written with the advice of a doctor, so you know the precise medical consequences of your decisions, and a lawyer, so it is virtually guaranteed to be legally binding.

Power of Attorney: This is an arrangement in which you give someone else, typically a trusted family member, the authority 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 Lewistown Estates Lawyer?

A poorly drafted or executed Lewistown 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 advice of an efficient estate planning attorney can be invaluable.