Beaver, UT Estate Planning Lawyers

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” – Alan Lakein

The truth about planning for the future is that it needs to be done in the present. We often put off making those plans believing that we have more time until the future suddenly becomes the present we never planned for. When it comes to providing for your family’s needs and security, putting off planning could have harmful and lasting consequences for their future. Beaver estate planning lawyers can help you ensure that your loved ones, who depend on you, will be taken care of should anything happen to you. 

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is a process of preparing for what will happen to your assets, and how your loved ones will be provided for in the event that you suddenly pass away or become incapacitated. The primary purpose of estate planning is to clarify your wishes so your family members will know exactly what you wanted. By stating your intentions for what should happen to your estate, you keep control of your assets and prevent the state or government from deciding how they should be distributed. You can be guaranteed that the inheritance you leave behind will go directly to the people you love most. With the assistance from our experienced team of Beaver estate planning lawyers you will also be able to protect your assets from creditors, taxes, and legal costs.

Who Needs An Estate Plan, And Why?

There is a misconception out there that estate planning is only for the well-off or well-to-do. In truth, anyone who owns property and a family should have an estate plan. If you believe your loved ones would suffer irreparable financial hardship as a result of your passing or incapacitation, or your children could wind up being raised by someone other than you intended, or placed in foster care, then you should have an estate plan. Our Beaver estate planning lawyers can prepare a personalized comprehensive estate plan to fit your unique situation.

What Is Included In An Estate Plan?

There is another misconception regarding estate plans that a will itself is sufficient enough to address every aspect related to a person’s assets and distributions. A properly drafted will does serve its purpose of clarifying your wishes about how you intend to distribute your assets or who will care for your children in the event of your passing. However, what is often misunderstood, is that simply having a will does not preclude an estate from going to probate. While having a legally drafted will can speed up the probate process, it doesn’t prevent it from happening altogether. 

Probate can also be costly, time-consuming, and stressful for your family during an already difficult time. Besides, a will provides no protection unless a person dies and is useless if a person becomes incapacitated. There are numerous legal documents that can help you avoid probate entirely and protect your assets from creditors, liens, taxes, or legal fees. 

An estate plan will typically include the following legal documents:

1. Last Will and Testament: This document outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death and may also appoint guardians for minor children.
2. Revocable Living Trust: This type of trust allows you to transfer assets to a trustee to manage and distribute according to your instructions, both during your lifetime and after your death. It can help avoid probate and provide privacy.
3. Durable Power of Attorney: This document designates someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and are unable to manage your affairs.
4. Healthcare Power of Attorney: Also known as a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney, this document appoints someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
5. Living Will: A living will, or advance healthcare directive, outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care if you are in a terminal condition or persistent vegetative state.

It’s important to consult with our Beaver estate planning lawyers to ensure that your estate plan meets your specific needs and complies with the laws of your jurisdiction. They can provide personalized advice and help you create a comprehensive estate plan.

Do You Need An Estate Planning Attorney?

Many people try to avoid the cost of hiring an attorney, opting instead to take the DIY route using online generated templates. The problem with this approach is that most websites are generic and may not meet the legal requirements of your state, which could render them invalid in a court of law. Additionally, these generic templates are not designed to fit the very specific circumstances unique to each family, and can leave them unprotected and vulnerable to legal challenges. 

The inherent risk of using the DIY approach may not be worth it in the long run. Any potential short-term savings to you may prove to be significantly more costly to your family in terms of legal costs. Because your family’s future is too important to put at risk, it’s recommended that you consult our professional Beaver estate planning lawyers to ensure your estate plans meet the legal requirements of Utah and the specific needs of your family.

Why Choose ProvenLaw For Estate Planning?

At ProvenLaw, we have over 95 years of combined experience assisting people just like you with creating estate plans that they can have confidence in. Our firm focuses exclusively on trust, estate, and tax matters, and we are excellent at what we do! We’ve even been rated the Best of Southern Utah for multiple years in a row! We will take the time to get to know you, answer your questions, explain your options, and give you all of the legal guidance you need to feel confident in your plan and gain peace of mind. You can rely on our knowledge to set you and your loved ones up for success. Call our office now to schedule a free 30 minute consultation and take your next steps!