If you are anything like me, spring means tackling chores such as cleaning out my closet and finally
getting rid of that bread maker I have NEVER used. During the fall and winter it is easy to let certain things pass by without necessary attention – hello daily trips to the gym – but spring is also a great time for new beginnings.
These new beginnings include taking a close look at your estate planning and financial documents. Even Martha Stewart lists “reviewing insurance policies, contracts, and household inventories” on her Spring Cleaning Checklist.
Additionally, certain life changes can have an impact on whether or not your documents still meet your planning goals and objectives. So, if any of the following changes have happened to you recently, or if they happened a long time ago but you never changed your documents, it is time to consider talking with an estate planning attorney:
A New Marriage
A Divorce
The Death of a Spouse, Executor, or Guardian
If you want to change your Executor; or
If you want to change the Guardian Designation for any minor Children
On the other hand, if you don’t have any estate planning documents in place, now is a perfect time
to consider speaking with an estate planning attorney to discuss all of your options; especially if you have young children.
I know the last thing you want to think about is what happens to your children or estate should something happen to you. Unfortunately, it is something you need to talk about and is an integral part of ensuring that your children and estate are taken care of. In fact, having certain documents in place gives you the chance to ensure that your children will be taken care of by the people you choose, not the the State of Ohio.
In the next few months, whether you are shedding shoes, decluttering your garage, or setting up a new nursery, take the time to look over your estate planning documents. If you have any questions, or if you are unsure whether or not you really need a will, contact an estate planning attorney to discuss all of your goals and options. And, let’s be honest, if Martha Stewart reviews her important documents every spring, we should all be doing it.
Free consultations available at 513-241-6650 or by visiting godbeylaw.com