Many people do estate planning for reasons like avoiding probate, minimizing estate taxes, and bequeathing charitable gifts; however, another important reason is often overlooked. Doing estate planning for the purpose of making things easier on heirs is enough motivation for some people due to the legal battle that often ensues when a person dies before getting their affairs in order.
Kenneth C. Barney recently wrote an article titled, “A Will Makes Your Passing Easier on Heirs” that drives home the point. Barney writes, “The last thing you want is for your passing to drive a wedge between those you care about the most. Such legal wrangling is likely to cost them not only emotionally, but financially as well. Better that you handle it now on your own.” Read Barney’s full article here.