Benjamin Franklin once said that there were only two things certain in life, and they are death and taxes. Estate planning may not be as fun as planning a wedding, a birthday party or a vacation because it involves planning how one’s properties are distributed after one’s death or when one becomes incapacitated and the consequential taxes involved; Death and taxes are certain eventualities and do not discriminate as to one’s status in life and therefore, important and relevant to all. Estate planning helps settle complex family arrangements, prevents unnecessary family squabbles, protects vulnerable heirs and avoids excessive tax burdens.

Your estate planning attorney can guide you through your legal options in taking care of your properties in accordance to your specific requirements, such as the creation of living wills, incorporation of assets, or even guardianship proceedings as may be necessary to name a few. You may want to consider the creation of a living will if Alheimer’s, Dementia or similar kind of disease runs in your family as this ensures to a certain degree that your welfare and affairs will be taken cared of by a competent person, allowing you control of your assets should this eventually happen. To protect your loved ones afflicted with a permanent disability, a living will or a guardianship proceeding may be necessary to take care of his or her long-term care and educational needs.

An estate planning attorney will ensure that your affairs are in order and your documents are valid and enforceable.