Estate Planning Mistakes

It is crucial to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls when creating an Estate Plan. You don’t want your plan to protect your loved ones to be complicated and costly. You’ll be less likely to make common estate planning mistakes if you are well-informed. This will help you to create a plan that achieves what you want and protect your legacy.

At The Black Law Company, we understand the importance of avoiding common estate planning mistakes and creating a plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Our team of experienced attorneys will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your plan is comprehensive and effective. We take the time to understand your unique situation and provide personalized advice to help you navigate the legal landscape and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Failure to Plan

Forgetting your estate plan is the most important mistake you can make. It’s something that many people put off. However, failing to prioritize or ensure your estate plan is complete can lead to financial ruin for your estate, your legacy, and most importantly your loved ones.

2. Talking to Family and Friends Is Not a Good Idea

There are exceptions to this rule. However, it is a good idea to at least have a conversation with family and friends. It is possible to set expectations early so that there are opportunities for discussion, which could reduce the chances of any disagreement or contention after your death. You can also write the language in your estate plan to specify who may contest any of the items.

3. Name Only One Beneficiary

This is another one of the most common estate planning mistakes. It is a good idea to have multiple beneficiaries for your assets. You will need to have a contingent beneficiary in case a beneficiary dies before you do. This person would be the next in line for your estate or any asset. In principle, more than one contingent beneficiary should be listed.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION NOW

4. Forgetting About Power of Attorney and Healthcare Representatives

It is important to name a Power of Attorney for medical and financial purposes, and/or a Healthcare Proxy. These are people who will make the decisions in your place if you become incapacitated. These roles are usually dissolved upon your death in most cases.

5. Forgetting About the Last Arrangements

This is another one of the most common estate planning mistakes. While your loved ones will grieve after your death, planning can make it easier for them to plan what they want. It is important to make sure that your wishes for end-of-life care are well known. (i.e. hospice, assisted living, etc.)

6. Forgetting About Your Digital Assets

Digital Estate Planning may be a new concept, but it is logical in the modern technological world. Make sure you include a Digital Estate Plan. This plan will outline how you want all your digital assets handled after you die. This could include social media accounts, online banking, email accounts, and many other digital assets.

7. Not Thinking About Charities Important to You

Even if your estate is large, it’s a good idea to donate some of your assets to charity.

8. Not Thinking About Your Children’s Future

Although your intentions may be good, your instructions can come back to haunt you or your heirs. You may wish to give instructions to your guardian on how to spend assets.

Another mistake is assuming that your children will be interested in something when they might not. You might want to pass down a vacation house that has been in your family for generations. However, the condition is that each child must be married and have their own vacation home. What happens if one child doesn’t want marriage? Or perhaps he doesn’t want the responsibility of being a homeowner. These cases can result in substantial legal fees and the devaluation or loss of assets that could impact the estate’s overall size. In this instance, heirs will need to go through the courts to receive allowances.

9. Getting Too Specific

This is another one of the most common estate planning mistakes. When writing your estate plan, we recommend that you be as precise as possible. There is one caveat. There are some assets that you may have at one time in your life, but not necessarily in the future. Do you have stocks in your retirement plan? Real estate? Season tickets to your favorite team’s games? These are all the things you can guarantee to have for many decades.

10. Funding Your Trust Incorrectly

A Trust is a great component of any Estate Plan. But it can all go sour if it’s not properly funded. It’s only half the battle to create Trust. Once it’s funded, it’s useless.

11. Not Paying Attention to Taxes

You could be responsible for estate tax liabilities that can impact the amount you leave your beneficiaries. You should also consider how gifts may impact the individual heirs of your estate.

12. Not Securing Your Estate Plan

This is another one of the most common estate planning mistakes. Even the most comprehensive Estate Plan will not be of any use if it isn’t found by your heirs. You should think twice about putting your estate plan in a safe deposit box. It can be complicated if your loved ones attempt to access it after your death. You will want to keep your Estate Planning documents safe and together.

13. Not Updating Your Plan Frequently

Estate Planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. It is important to keep your Estate Planning current and reflect all changes in your life. Any major life event, such as a divorce, birth, death, or any other significant life event, could trigger a need for an update.

Protect Your Rights and Assets – Contact Us Now

At The Black Law Company, we understand the importance of protecting your assets and providing for your loved ones. That’s why our team of experienced estate planning attorneys is dedicated to helping you create a comprehensive plan that addresses all of your needs. Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or a retiree, we’ll work with you to create a plan that ensures your assets are protected and your wishes are carried out.

Other Services We Offer:

Don’t let the uncertainty of the future leave you and your loved ones unprotected, let us help you secure your assets and your loved one’s future today.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION NOW