St. George Estate Planning Lawyer

St. George Estate Planning Attorney

You should strongly consider working with a competent St. George estate planning lawyer if you or your family are beginning to think about planning for the future. Whether you want to create a basic will or want to tackle more in-depth measures such as powers of attorney or guardianship, an estate planning professional is a valuable resource.

Understanding the Importance of an Estate Plan

According to one 2021 survey, only around 46% of American adults have a will. The statistics vary depending on income level and age. However, many Americans would benefit from an estate plan, regardless of how many assets they have or how old they are.

Whether or not you’ve started your own estate plan, it’s beneficial to understand the importance of estate planning for several reasons. Planning for the future can be stressful for a lot of people.

By pursuing an established estate plan sooner rather than later, you and your loved ones can feel more prepared against the uncertain and changing circumstances of life. Estate planning is helpful for anyone, not just for the wealthy or older adults.

A thorough, comprehensive estate plan can:

• Outline your medical wishes in the event you ever become incapacitated and unable to voice your preferences.
• This allows you to appoint a trusted guardian to look after your children if you are ever unable due to illness, death, or other incapacitating circumstances.
• Enable you to protect your assets and investments while also qualifying for long-term care or assistance.
• Provide instructions regarding the distribution of your assets after you have passed away.
• Help your family members avoid an extended succession process by placing certain properties into a trust.

Why You Should Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer

You should hire an estate planning lawyer to verify that your or your loved one’s estate plan is accurate, legally enforceable, and addresses the creator’s goals and concerns. After listening to your priorities and understanding your circumstances, an estate planning attorney can help you craft a clear plan with the appropriate estate law documents and tools.

Estate planning laws can be complex, so it’s highly advised that you work with a professional to avoid uncertainty or disputes down the line. If you are looking for a qualified St. George estate planning attorney, look no further than Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC.

Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC, is headed by experienced lawyer Carl S. Goode, who is board-certified by the Louisiana State Bar Association, has been included in the state’s Super Lawyers for several years, and has received an AV Preeminent peer review rating.**

Carl also has decades of experience helping clients with a wide range of estate planning needs. Regardless of the amount of assets you have, our firm is ready to help you prepare for the future.

An estate planning case in St. George is most likely to be processed at the 19th Judicial District Court for East Baton Rouge Parish, which is located at 300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801. Confirm any addresses with your lawyer, as venues can vary depending on the case.

FAQs

What Documents Are Part of an Estate Plan in LA?

Documents that are part of an estate plan in Louisiana include:

• Wills. This document outlines asset distribution and names an executor
• Living wills. A living will declaration allows you to formally register your end-of-life wishes.
• Trusts. A trust may be revocable or irrevocable depending on your needs and preferences. Trusts help to manage assets during your lifetime and control distribution after death, avoiding probate.
• Powers of attorney, such as a healthcare power of attorney or a durable power of attorney

How Long Does It Take to Create an Estate Plan?

How long it takes to create an estate plan in Louisiana depends on the creator’s needs and goals. Depending on your budget and how comprehensive an estate plan you want, the process may take anywhere from a couple of days to a few months or longer. Simple or urgent estate planning documents, such as wills or powers of attorney, may only require a few days, while more complex tools like trusts generally require several weeks to finalize.

Does a Person Need to Create a Will in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you don’t legally need to create a will, although it’s strongly recommended. Not only does creating a will allow you to leave instructions for how you wish your assets to be distributed after death, but leaving a will can also make succession easier to manage for your loved ones. By creating a clear will, your family members have a legal document to refer to to understand your preferences as opposed to disputing over what you may have wanted.

Can You Change an Estate Plan in Louisiana?

Yes, you can change an estate plan in the state of Louisiana as circumstances change, as long as you are still considered mentally competent. You should modify, amend, or even revoke certain estate planning documents after significant life events.

These include marriage, divorce, birth of a child, change in income, and other important milestones. It is even generally recommended that you review your estate plan every few years so that it accurately reflects your wishes.

Do I Need an Attorney for Estate Planning in LA?

You do not legally need an attorney for estate planning in Louisiana. However, it’s highly advised that you work with a dedicated estate planning lawyer because the state’s unique civil law system can be confusing and difficult to navigate. By working with an attorney, you can understand how estate planning works and have guidance in creating the documents needed to support your goals and needs.

Speak to an Estate Planning Lawyer Today

Get in touch with the professional team at Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC, today to schedule a consultation with an experienced estate law attorney. We can answer your questions, explain estate planning to you, and help you create a plan that works for you.

**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.