Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. By putting a plan in place, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your family is taken care of financially if something happens to you.
While it is possible to create an estate plan on your own, it is often best to work with an experienced estate planning attorney. Here are three reasons why hiring an estate planning attorney in Rockford, IL, is a good idea.
1. An Attorney Can Help You Avoid Probate
Probate is the legal process that is used to distribute a person’s assets after they die. If you die without a valid will or trust in place, your assets will likely have to go through probate. Probate can be a long and expensive process, and it can also be very stressful for your loved ones. By hiring an attorney to help you create an estate plan, you can avoid probate altogether.
2. An Attorney Can Help You Minimize Taxes
If you die without a proper estate plan in place, your loved ones may have to pay a significant amount of money in taxes. However, there are certain strategies that an experienced attorney can help you put in place that can minimize the amount of taxes your loved ones will owe.
3. An Attorney Can Help You Protect Your Assets
If you have significant assets, it is important to have a plan in place to protect them. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you create a trust that will keep your assets safe from creditors and predators.
If you are thinking about creating an estate plan, hiring an experienced attorney is always a good idea. Visit Crosby Law Firm to schedule a consultation with the team today.