Estate Planning

Article submitted by Jeffrey L. Knapp of The Knapp Law Firm.
For more information, he can be reached at 888-562-7752 or by e-mail: knapplaw@eclipse.net.

Estate planning should not be a transaction based on legal documents. Rather, it should be a relationship based on mutual ongoing education. You should seek an attorney who will listen carefully to your hopes, dreams and concerns, and who will teach you how to preserve your lifestyle and dignity, take care of your loved ones, protect and expand your assets, and save taxes.

Constant change presents a challenge: Will your plan truly work to meet your expectations when needed? Your two-year-old will may already be obsolete due to New Jersey tax law changes. You should seek an attorney who offers you both a formal updating program and a means of controlling the costs incurred by your loved ones in settling your estate.

You can choose to create a life of abundance, purpose and significance. You can develop your own definition of disability rather than leave that to a Court. You can leave personal letters, and you can leave a true legacy. Does your planning cover all six contingencies? (Relocation, disability or death on your part, and relocation, disability or death on the part of your attorney). For a list of twenty questions you should ask an estate planning attorney, please feel free to contact the writer.