Everyone has heard the nightmare stories about long protracted legal battles that occur between close families after a loved one passes on. Nobody wants this for their family, yet many people set their families up for just such a scenario.

Fortunately this can be avoided with some proper planning and discussion. Here are some easy ways that you can avoid having your estate contested after you pass on.

Stay Away from the “Do it Yourself” Solutions

In an attempt to save money, time or both, many people resort to online do-it-yourself legal services that promise to help set up the legal documents needed for a proper estate plan. While these services are cheap and easy, they are often wrong.

Estate planning attorneys exist for a reason. Laws differ from state to state and change over time. They are complex and involve many nuances that need to be addressed by a professional. Don’t be fooled into thinking a do-it-yourself solution can help you. Go to the elder law experts at Stano Law group to have your estate plan crafted.

Talk to your Family and Beneficiaries

Many people make an assumption about what they are going to “get” when a loved one passes on. On the other side of that, many people avoid talking about what is going to happen with their estate because they want to avoid talking about the subject. In either case, what a simple discussion could have solved becomes a long and protracted legal battle at the worst time possible.

Sit your family and beneficiaries down and let them know what your estate plan is. Explain your reasons and why you are making the choices that you are. Don’t let loved ones who are already emotionally compromised become blindsided by an unexpected turn of events after you are gone.

It may not be an easy conversation to have but it is a necessary one. Putting it off or not having it at all can only lead to more difficulties in the future.

Keep your Estate Plan up to Date

Is your estate plan current? When did you last pull it out and take a look to ensure that it was up to date? Many estate battles happen because of an estate plan that failed to reflect the current state of the family and beneficiaries that were named in the estate plan.

You should think of your estate plan as a living document. Plan to revisit it over time to ensure that what is in the plan properly reflects your and your family’s current situation. If it doesn’t, visit your elder law attorneys at Stano Law group to have it updated with the current information.

Failing to do so can end up causing more trouble for your estate in the long run.

Let Us Help with your Estate Plan

Don’t put off making such an important document. Stano Law group can help you get your estate plan in order today!