Who needs estate planning?

Estate planning is for everyone. Often people say they do not have enough assets to worry about having a will, but when you have worked your whole life for it, then you should have a say as to what happens to it. Disposing of your assets with a will can be your last kind act to the people you leave behind. It is true that “You Can’t Take It with You,” but you can bring joy to those you leave it to and be confident they receive it.

You may not have a million dollars, but you have the opportunity to pass along family heirlooms, expensive or not, and avoid family arguments with a properly structured will. Are you willing to take the chance that your ex-spouse will not spend the money you left your children? Too many people make incorrect assumptions about what happens without a will. Don’t make the mistake of assuming your spouse will receive everything. Even without millions in cash, you may have children who you want to be raised by, or not raised by, a specific person. Being responsible + having loved ones = having a will. That is why estate planning is for everyone.

A little time spent with an experienced estate planning attorney can help ensure you warm the hearts of your loved ones by thinking of them. At the Law Office of Hugh Spires, Jr., I have taken steps to remove the excuses, and make our estate planning services convenient.

Common excuses for not having a will:

1. Lack of property. Even if you do not own a lot now, you may by the time you die. You could win the lottery, inherit money, land a high-paying job. Family heirlooms or sentimental items can be priceless.
2. Misconception. Some people misunderstand who receives their property if they die without a will. Oftentimes, it is not the way people imagine, especially if they have children from a prior marriage, have a live-in partner, or have joint bank accounts.
3. Do not care. Even without a large estate, a will provides you with the ability to nominate a guardian of your child and the property you leave your child, instead of letting a court decide.
4. Cost. A will drafted by an attorney requires spending money which you may prefer to spend on recreation or other needs. However, having an estate plan can make a big difference to those you leave behind. At the Law Office of Hugh Spires, Jr. my business model allows us to be less expensive than the traditional brick and mortar law offices.
5. Time. Most people are either working hard and can’t afford to miss work to visit an attorney’s office or would rather do something more fun in their time away from work. Others may be too ill to travel to an attorney’s office. The Law Office of Hugh Spires, Jr. was founded so people in these situations can have the same opportunity to create an estate plan and care for their family.
6. Complicated. Having to go through the mental exercise of listing your assets and their value and deciding who receives what property and when can be a complication some people do not enjoy. However, like many not so pleasant exercises, a lot of good can come from it. Being responsible is not always fun.
7. Thinking of death. When going through the exercise of creating an estate plan, it requires a person to admit that one day they will die. It is a thought most people would rather not think about. Being responsible is an important part of life and caring for others does require some forethought.
8. Private. Not many people want to share their personal life with a stranger and discuss their divorces, illnesses, children born outside marriage, and family discord. However, clients can feel confident that statements made to me are confidential and cannot be disclosed without the client’s consent. My job is to help you find the right plan for you and your family without any judgment. The Law Office of Hugh Spires, Jr. does not require you to meet face to face with our attorney, so you do not have to be embarrassed about revealing personal matters in person.