You’ve spent your whole life building up your assets and your estate, and creating a solid estate plan is your next step. But where do you start? For many, estate planning can be intimidating, but that’s where hiring an expert can help. An estate planning lawyer can help you create a plan that’s tailored to your needs, no matter the size of your estate. Keep reading to discover our top six reasons to hire an Arkansas estate planning attorney.
Why You Should Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer
State and Federal Law Compliance
Laws surrounding estate planning are complex and can change often. You can’t be expected to stay up to date on all the minor changes that affect estate planning, but your lawyer can. Lawyers spend their entire careers studying law, staying on top of all the changes that could affect how your estate is handled. Your attorney will ensure that your will meets all state requirements in order to be considered valid, protecting your assets and your wishes.
Stay Up to Date
There are several instances and events that call for an updated will or estate plan – a new job, the addition of a family member, or a significant change in assets. An outdated will may no longer represent your wishes, and it may even be invalid depending on the circumstances. Your lawyer can help you review your estate plan to keep it up to date.
Avoid Probate
Probate puts stress on your loved ones and can greatly diminish your assets. If your estate goes to probate without a will or other plans in place, its distribution is left up to the courts. Instead, hire a lawyer to form a solid estate plan to keep your assets intact and ensure that they’re distributed precisely how you want them.
Customized Estate Plan
No two estate plans look the same, and that’s for a good reason. Your estate and wishes are unique, and you deserve more than a one-size-fits-all estate plan. Instead of a plan that doesn’t meet all your needs, your lawyer can explain every aspect of your estate plan and can assist you with coming up with a custom estate plan that checks every box.
Simplify the Process
Many people avoid estate planning altogether due to how complex it may seem. Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming, though, and an estate planning lawyer is your best resource. Hire an experienced attorney who has already done all the research needed to streamline your estate plan. In addition to providing guidance, your lawyer can also handle tasks like obtaining witnesses and assuring compliance with Arkansas law, all so you don’t have to.
Expert Advice
An estate planning attorney has likely seen it all and handled a variety of complications when it comes to estate planning. Having a resource to offer a neutral perspective while providing expert advice is one of the best things you can do when estate planning. Matters surrounding assets and estates can be emotional, but you can rely on your lawyer to give an outside perspective that may help you make the best decisions for your estate.
Schedule a Consultation with an Arkansas Estate Planning Attorney
Are you ready to start the process of planning your estate? Do you need a lawyer to go over your current estate plan? At L. Jennings Law, we have the experience and compassion you need to help with all aspects of your estate plan. We help clients with estates and plans of all sizes, from basic to complex. If you’re ready to go over your plan with a member of our team, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help you create the ideal estate plan for you.
