Are you married? Have you taken the time to discuss estate planning with your spouse? Are you concerned that you’re not on the same page?
Maybe you and your spouse already have an estate plan in place. Or perhaps you’ve never even discussed it in the past. Either way, it’s critical that you work together to create an estate plan that suits the both of you.
Here are some example questions to address together:
- What do you want to happen to your assets upon your death? It’s likely that you want to leave your assets to your spouse, but there are specific situations that you need to plan for. For example, if the both of you pass on at the same time, you must make it clear as to who should receive your assets.
- Who will you name as the guardian of your children? This isn’t a decision that either of you should make on your own. As one of the biggest estate planning decisions you’ll ever make, it’s critical that you work together. It could take some time, so don’t become impatient.
- Is a living trust something worth considering? Depending on your age and financial circumstances, you may want to consider the creation of a living trust. There are many benefits of this legal document, such as privacy protection and probate avoidance. Discuss the pros and cons with your spouse so you can make an informed joint decision.
Estate planning isn’t the most exciting “project” that you and your spouse will tackle, but it’s a big part of your life moving forward. If you require assistance, contact us to set up a consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, provide suggestions, and help you and your spouse create the perfect estate plan.
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