WHY SHOULD YOU DO ESTATE PLANNING? FOR PEACE OF MIND AND CONTROL.

Many people begin the estate planning process by saying, “I've been meaning to do this for years. I finally stopped procrastinating and got it done.” If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Putting off estate planning is incredibly common. More than half of Americans over the age of 55 do not have an estate plan in place. Most people understand that estate planning is important, yet many postpone it for years. This raises an important question: Why should you do estate planning in the first place? The answer comes down to two simple benefits: peace of mind and control.

None of us knows when our time will come. While death is inevitable, uncertainty is a part of life. Estate planning allows you to make important decisions now instead of leaving them to chance later. It gives you control over who will manage your affairs, who will receive your assets, and how those assets will be distributed. Of course, by the time your estate plan goes into effect, you will not be around to see the results. But the true value of estate planning is not something you experience after you are gone. The real benefit is the peace of mind you gain today. Knowing that your wishes are documented and legally protected can relieve a tremendous burden. It also helps spare your loved ones from unnecessary confusion, delays, expenses, and conflict during an already difficult time. That persistent feeling telling you to "get your estate planning done" is really a desire for certainty. It is the desire to know that your family will be protected, your wishes will be honored, and your affairs will be handled according to your instructions.

Once your estate plan is in place, you can move forward with confidence. You will know who is responsible for carrying out your wishes, where your assets will go, and how your beneficiaries will be cared for. Most importantly, you will know that you've taken a proactive step to protect the people you love. And if you choose not to create an estate plan?

The State of Washington has default rules that determine what happens to your assets and who will manage your affairs. In other words, Washington will create a plan for you. The question is whether that plan will reflect your wishes. Estate planning allows you to make those decisions yourself. That is why it ultimately comes down to peace of mind and control.

If you want to learn more about estate planning or if you would like to take that first step into doing your estate plan, please call Rehberg Law Group at 206.246.8772 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.