4 Insider Tips From a Will Planning Attorney
Proper planning includes involving the right people. Here’s why an attorney is a vital partner in your will planning process.
1. I already have a will, so I’m all set, right?
Not necessarily. Unlike antiques and wine, a will doesn’t improve with age. Many things in your life might have changed since you first created your will—a divorce or remarriage, a new child or grandchild, revised tax laws, a move to another state or valuable new assets.
Your Attorney’s Role
An estate planning attorney can help you determine if it’s time to breathe new life into your outdated will and can make recommendations for updating it based on your current circumstances.
2. The internet can help me write my will for free. Why should I pay for the services of an estate planning attorney?
Do-it-yourself will kits may be widely available online, but there are no safeguards to ensure that they’re accurate and that the generated documents are implemented correctly. There’s more to writing a will than just filling in the blanks.
Your Attorney’s Role
A qualified estate planning attorney can help you protect your assets, minimize taxes and find the best ways to provide for your loved ones and the organizations that you support, such as Eden II & Genesis Foundation.
3. I just finished writing and updating my will. Planning done?
Not so fast. Your will doesn’t cover everything in your estate. The beneficiary designation forms for your retirement plan and life insurance policies dictate who will receive these assets. Keep your beneficiaries up to date so that your assets end up with your intended recipients.
Your Attorney’s Role
As part of the will planning process, your attorney will review these accounts to ensure that they coordinate with your overall plans.
4. the Foundation is important to me. How can I continue to support this work after my lifetime?
Including the Foundation in your plans is a thoughtful way to invest in the future of our mission. It’s also your opportunity to give voice to the values you live your life by.
Your Attorney’s Role
There are many ways to remember the Foundation in your will or other financial plans. Your attorney can help you find the gift that best meets your family’s needs and charitable goals.
We’re Here to Help
In addition to providing peace of mind, your will and other financial plans provide a flexible way to support a cause that’s close to your heart. To learn how you can give a gift that changes lives at our organization, contact Teresa Cirelli at 718-816-1422 x 1040 or tcirelli@eden2.org.
