[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text]
The New Year is a time for optimism, for making resolutions that will set you on the right foot for the next 12 months. As February rolls around, though, many of these resolutions may have fallen by the wayside. Luckily, it’s never too late to take charge of your life and to secure your future. If you’re disappointed by how some of your resolutions are going, now is the perfect time to set some new goals, particularly when it comes to getting on top of your estate planning. By following the three realistic goals below, you can put yourself well on the path to financial peace of mind–for now and the future.
Get Educated
Estate planning can be a complicated process, but by doing a little research you can get a handle on what to expect pretty quickly. The first step to safeguarding your future is to decide to finally move ahead with your estate plan and, while this can be intimidating, reading up on the process or speaking with a trained professional can help set your mind at ease. We offer a no cost, no obligation virtual estate planning workshop where you will learn the biggest mistakes people make in their wills and trusts, and how to avoid making those same mistakes yourself.
Get Your Documents Together
When it comes to estate planning, there are a number of documents you need to have in place in order to be fully protected. In addition to drafting a will or setting up a trust, there are several documents that are incredibly important to have in place while you are alive and well. Many of these documents have to do with your health and dictate what will happen if you should become incapacitated. These include a living will, a durable power of attorney, an advance directive for healthcare, and a HIPAA authorization. In addition, you’ll likely have various deeds, insurance policies, bank accounts, and other assets requiring the use of beneficiary designations to pass those assets directly on to beneficiaries. If you are missing any of these documents or designations, it’s a good idea to meet with an attorney and complete them as soon as possible. It’s also advisable to review these documents and designations every few years to make sure that they’re up to date.
Name Your Executor, Trustee, or Agent
So much of the success of any estate plan is in making sure you’ve chosen the right people to administer your estate. Whether it’s naming an executor for your will, a trustee to manage your trust, guardians for your minor children, or power of attorney agents, if you don’t pick people you trust, you won’t gain the peace of mind that you deserve. Reviewing your documents periodically will help you ensure that your agents or executor are still the people you want looking after your estate.
When you’re ready to begin safeguarding your future, the experienced attorneys at Hailey-Petty Law are here to help. If you have questions about estate planning in Texas, please contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation with one of our attorneys. Fill out the brief form below to get in touch!
Contact the Hailey-Petty Law Firm
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]