You can't rush a will

This time of year, in the throes of spring break and summer travel planning season, my office gets several calls a week from people who want to get their wills done right away. 

Unlike running to the store for travel-size products or finding all your device chargers, planning your final wishes is not a last-minute endeavor. It takes two half-hour appointments with me to gather the information needed, come up with a plan and draft the necessary documentation.

The last thing you want to do is hop on a plane or take a long car trip without your will being in place to protect your family and assets. To help avoid probate and ensure your wishes are honored, have a plan in place in case the unexpected happens while you’re away. 

I warn people about quickie wills available on the internet. Without an attorney reviewing them, these documents are often flawed. There are a lot of nuances that are not addressed in one-size-fits-all documents. Estate planning comes with moving pieces of the puzzle, including not just the will, but also the powers of attorney, trusts, healthcare directives and asset protection.

It’s important to consider all aspects of a person’s estate with a big-picture, long-term perspective.

During the initial planning session, I sit down with clients and find out about their estate to craft a strategy that uniquely protects and benefits them and their family.

Most of us have just pulled out our documentation for getting taxes done, so it’s a natural time to put your estate in order. Give us a call and we’ll get you on the schedule to put your final wishes in place for peace of mind whenever and wherever your travels take you.

Margaret T. Karl, Attorney at Law is located at 25800 North Depot Street, Suite 102, in Olmsted Falls. Call 440-782-5051 or visit BereaOhioLaw.com for more information.