estate planning checklist married couple

#Estate planning checklist married couple how to#

#Estate planning checklist married couple how to#

Plus, it gives you a legacy you can be proud of and peace of mind knowing the wealth you’ve worked hard to build ends up exactly where you want it to.īut knowing how to set up an estate plan can be like trying to untangle those Christmas cord lights after they’ve been in the closet all year. It can also be a good way to minimize estate taxes. First, taking the time to put your plan together shows you care enough about your loved ones to look after them when you’re gone. There are plenty of ways a solid estate plan can benefit you and your family. However, if you do have a large estate, hiring an estate planning attorney might help with all the ins and outs. Most people can create their estate plan entirely online in the comfort of their favorite armchair.

You don’t necessarily need to pay a lawyer stacks of cash to draw one up. Here’s the great thing about estate planning. But if you go without an estate plan, a lot of things could happen that you never wanted-like the state taking your stuff when you’d much rather your deserving loved ones get it! So, if you care about controlling who gets what (and we know you do), having a plan isn’t really optional.

Your estate plan can be simple or complicated. It also includes specifics about your medical wishes and who you want to take care of your kids or pets. So, what exactly is estate planning? Estate planning is just a fancy legal-ish term for what you want to happen to your money and your stuff when you die or become disabled. But whether your net worth is big or small, having an estate plan is definitely not something to put off. Sure, those folks need a plan, but even if your net worth is camped out on zero as you’re paying down debt or building up some wealth, estate planning is still for you.Īctually, if your net worth is a bit on the slim side, it will be much easier for you to set up your estate plan. An estate planning checklist isn’t just for Downton Abbey types with multiple mansions and yachts.