August 9, 2017

Estate planning is always important, but most people are uncomfortable looking towards a future and considering the possibility of incapacity or death.

Waiting too long to consider asset protection, estate planning or business succession planning could expose you to major risks. Although there are still steps that can be taken to minimize the outcome of these problems after a crisis has struck, it is far better to do the diligence ahead of time to plan for a potential problem. Being caught in the midst of a legal conflict or a complicated issue can generate a great deal of stress and unnecessary confusion. 

Handling these issues well in advance by sitting down and talking them over with an experienced lawyer can help you identify where your estate is currently exposed to risk or jeopardy. Waiting too long to put together an estate plan or articulating how you intend for your business to be transferred to another person, for example, could make it difficult if you are suddenly incapacitated.

If you were unable to speak for yourself and these decisions had to be made, this could generate conflict within your family. It is far better to schedule time to consult with a lawyer about your own intentions so that your beneficiaries are empowered should something suddenly happen and so that you minimize the chances of confusion or conflict.