Estate planning is a very broad term in Westmont, Pennsylvania, referring to a person's choices on issues that affect them and their family toward the end of their life. These might include instructions for end-of-life care, as well as drafting a will or other document with the intent of disposing of one's property after their death.

The drafting of a will, which simply states what you wish to be done with your property after death, is normally one of the most essential parts of an estate plan. Of course, it's rarely the only one. There are many other things you might want to include, depending on your objectives.

For example, a brilliant estate plan will include a living will, which gives your family members and healthcare professionals instructions about your medical care, to be followed in the event you become incapacitated. You should also include your funeral arrangements, and your preference with respect to organ donation.

Perhaps most importantly, your estate plan should make arrangements for the care and custody of your minor children, if you have any. Of course, you should discuss this matter with the person you intend to take custody of the children beforehand, to ensure that they are able and willing to provide proper care.

What Type of Estate Plan Do I Need in Westmont, Pennsylvania?

This normally depends on your individual goals and priorities, your age, health, and the nature and quantity of your assets.

Unmarried young adults typically don't think much about estate planning. In most cases, this is fine. Unless you are extremely sick or have an unusually large amount of assets, estate planning is not something to really worry about at this point in your life.

There is one group of unmarried people for whom estate planning in Westmont, Pennsylvania is absolutely essential: adults who are not married, but have a life partner who they'd like to provide for in the event of death. There are many rights that automatically attach with marriage, such as the right to inherit if a spouse dies without a will, the right to make medical decisions for the other spouse if they become incapacitated, etc. If you and your partner are, for whatever reason, unable or unwilling to get married, you will have to take many steps to secure these rights, such as granting power of attorney, and writing them into your will.

There is another massive group of people who would benefit from having a good Westmont, Pennsylvania estate plan: the elderly and those with a lot of money really need to consider making a comprehensive estate plan as soon as possible. While this necessarily contains facing some uncomfortable realities, it is essential and unavoidable.

Do I Need a Westmont, Pennsylvania Estate Planning Attorney?

Because estate planning can be a convoluted process, the expertise of a good lawyer in Westmont, Pennsylvania who specializes in wills, trusts, and estates can make the process a great deal easier.