The contemplation of death, yours or your partners is something that no one wants to do, much less having to deal with all the financial complexities while you are still grieving the loss of your loved one.
Although no one or nothing can eliminate the grieving process, an estate planning lawyer in Santa Ana can help in advance, thus at least removing some stress when the inevitable happens. The sad truth is, the majority of people tend to shy away with such a task but they should not, advance planning can help to eliminate financial sorrow if not real sorrow.
The first steps:
The first thing is to ensure that you and your partner have an in-depth understanding of your joint assets and your individual assets and where they are. Is there a life insurance policy, if so, who are the named beneficiaries, what about your retirement plan, who will it be kept active after your death?
Too many people find out far too late that they should have hired an estate planning lawyer in Santa Ana, these questions need to be addressed and answered before it’s too late. The entire reason behind estate planning is to protect the survivor and give him or her opportunity to make effective decisions over the assets.
The complexities of “blended families”
Effective estate planning is complicated when there has been more than one marriage, and there are stepchildren in the picture. In cases like this, the couple needs to work very closely with an estate planning lawyer in Santa Ana. These legal professionals can bring a lot to the table that might otherwise be neglected. When the time comes, the surviving partner must know where the documents are that relate to Social Security, various insurances, the marriage certificate, the will, the power of attorney and more.
It is important that you take action while you still can, when you are healthy. Make sure you have involved a lawyer, and you are comfortable with your choice of power of attorney.
Don’t leave making important decisions until it’s too late; you need to hire a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer in Santa Ana while you still can. You are invited to contact The Law Offices of Norman J. Homen.
