-- In a recent interview, top estate planning and elder law attorney Kelly Shovelin, founder of Four Pillars Law Firm in Wilmington, NC, revealed common myths about estate planning.
For more information please visit https://www.fourpillarslawfirm.com
When asked to comment, Shovelin stated, “Estate planning, and more importantly total Family Protection planning, is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that you and your loved ones are taken care of, both during life and once you’re gone. However, several widespread myths and misconceptions about estate planning cause many to put it off until it’s too late.”
One of the most prevalent myths is that only the rich and famous devise estate plans.
"Estate planning doesn't discriminate: it doesn't matter how much money is in your name or how widely known you are. The main aim of estate planning is to make sure that what you do own – no matter how much it is – is handled properly if you ever become incapacitated and is passed down to the person of your choosing when the time comes,” Shovelin said.
Many people put estate planning on the backburner due to the misconception that they are too young to plan.
When asked to elaborate, Shovelin commented, “The only constant in life is change, and things happen all the time that are out of our control. But what we can control is planning for our loved ones to be looked after when we're gone."
Another common misguided belief is that family will make the right decisions regarding an estate.
“In my experience, when it comes to money and family, matters get complicated quickly. Estate planning provides robust legal structures that protect your assets and its beneficiaries. Allowing others to set up those legal structures often creates issues that stray from the original intent. If you want to know how truly dysfunctional your family can be, die without a plan.”
That said, Shovelin was quick to add that planning for an estate should be thorough, not a hastily put together scheme. This is not a DIY project that you should attempt on your own.
“Estate planning doesn’t simply boil down to appointing an executor for your Will or trustee to manage a trust. Instead, the whole process is about taking into account several possible circumstances such as what would happen if your beneficiary were to become incapacitated or to pass on,” she added.
One widespread misconception is that retirement accounts and insurance policies are not part of the estate planning
process.
When asked to explain, Shovelin said, “Taking into account life insurance and 401Ks when divvying up assets among beneficiaries is a step that people tend to overlook. Both are part of your wealth portfolio and should be treated as such.”
Source: http://RecommendedExperts.biz
Contact Info:
Name: Kelly Shovelin
Email: Send Email
Organization: Four Pillars Law Firm
Address: 2202 Wrightsville Avenue, Suite 213 Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 762-1577
Website: https://www.fourpillarslawfirm.com
Source URL: http://RecommendedExperts.biz
Release ID: 88995192
Google
RSS