Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Get Your Estate Planning in Order
As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, fall often brings a sense of renewal and reflection. It’s the season when many of us prepare for the upcoming holidays, set new goals, and tie up loose ends before the year closes out. But one important task often overlooked during this time is estate planning. Autumn is an ideal season to get your estate planning in order, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Why Fall?
Fall represents change and preparation—both perfect themes when it comes to estate planning. By preparing your estate plan now, you can secure your family’s future and make thoughtful decisions about your assets before the busyness of the holiday season sets in. Plus, it’s a time of year when people are often thinking about family gatherings, which naturally brings conversations about legacy, responsibility, and the future.
Key Steps in Fall Estate Planning
- Reviewing or Creating a Will Your will is the foundation of any solid estate plan. If you don’t have one in place yet, now is the time to draft one. For those who already have a will, fall is the perfect time to review and update it, ensuring it reflects your current situation. If you’ve experienced significant life changes, such as the birth of a child, marriage, or a divorce, updating your will should be a top priority. Learn more about creating or updating a will on our Estate Planning page.
- Setting Up or Reviewing Trusts Trusts are valuable tools for managing your assets, reducing estate taxes, and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth to your beneficiaries. If you already have a trust, consider reviewing it to ensure it still aligns with your current goals. Setting up a trust for the first time? We can help you decide whether a revocable or irrevocable trust is the right fit for your family. Find out more about the benefits of trusts in our Estate Planning Services.
- Updating Beneficiary Designations Your estate plan should include updated beneficiary designations on all your major financial accounts, including life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. Fall is a good time to review these designations, particularly if you’ve had any changes in your family, such as a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
- Durable Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives While a will and trust manage your estate after death, powers of attorney and healthcare directives protect you during life. These documents ensure that someone you trust can make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Fall is a good time to ensure these documents are up-to-date and reflect your current wishes. Learn more about the importance of durable powers of attorney on our Estate Planning Overview.
Why Work with Legacy Legal & Business Services PLC This Fall?
At Legacy Legal & Business Services PLC, we understand that estate planning can feel overwhelming. But with our expert guidance, you can put a plan in place that brings clarity and security to you and your loved ones. Whether you’re just starting your estate plan or revising it to reflect recent changes, we’re here to make the process seamless and stress-free.
Our experienced team will help you:
- Draft or update a comprehensive will
- Establish trusts that protect your assets
- Ensure your beneficiary designations are accurate
- Create durable powers of attorney and healthcare directives
With fall being the season of preparation, now is the perfect time to take action. Let us help you protect your legacy and ensure your family’s future is secure.
Get Started Today
Don’t wait until the holidays to address your estate planning needs. Schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our contact page or calling us at (616) 681-0100. We look forward to helping you secure your family’s future and achieve peace of mind.