estate planning lawyer Bergen County, NJ

Five Misconceptions About Estate Planning

While estate planning may seem complex and daunting at first, with the assistance of our Bergen County, NJ estate planning lawyer, you can create the estate plan that you need with confidence and clarity. Our attorney will assist you through every step of the estate planning process, ensuring that all necessary documents are included and clearing up any misconceptions that you may have about the estate planning process.

I’m Too Young for Estate Planning

As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the second best time is today. The earlier you start your estate planning process, the easier it will be moving forward. Car accidents, plane crashes, and cancer have no respect when it comes to your age. You could die of food poisoning tomorrow, leaving your final wishes unwished.

I Don’t Have Enough Assets to Start Estate Planning

If you have a bank account with a positive balance and a car, no matter how beat up, then you have enough assets to start estate planning. Your Kaplan Law Practice estate planning lawyer in Bergen County, NJ, can help point out assets you may not have realized were assets.

The Court Will Divide My Property Equitably So I Don’t Need to Do Any Estate Planning

You don’t want to leave your final wishes to the court to carry out, especially if there’s someone you might want to disinherit. The probate process can take months or longer, depending on the complexity and size of your estate. The court may not divide things how you would hope. The best way to predict the future is to create it, and your estate plan is the best way to create the future you want for your heirs.

Online Forms Are Just as Good as a Lawyer

Online forms may give you food for thought and a starting point for getting your documents in order. However, generic forms will never be as good as a real estate planning lawyer in Bergen County, NJ, from Kaplan Law Practice. Your lawyer can tailor your estate plan to your exact specifications, explaining things to you in plain English while taking care of all the legalese you may not understand.

An Estate Plan Is Only Needed to Decide Who Gets What When I Die

An estate plan does so much more than simply deciding who gets what when you die. Other purposes of estate planning include:

Avoiding a lengthy probate process
Eliminate family fights over the distribution of property
Make sure your surviving family members are taken care of
Choose a trustworthy executor of your estate
Designate guardians for your minor children and make sure they’re cared for
Protect your property, investments, and other assets from creditors
Help your heirs avoid or reduce taxes such as inheritance, estate, or gift taxes

Contact Our Bergen County Estate Planning Lawyer Today

If you are considering creating an estate plan or require assistance with updating your current estate plan, our team is here to help you. Contact Kaplan Law Practice, LLC today to schedule a consultation.