Three Tips to Avoid Family Disputes with Proper Estate Planning

After the death of a loved one, emotions are running higher than normal—something that can bring people closer together, or drive them further apart.

The division of the deceased’s assets is one of the most difficult, emotional and controversial periods following the death of a loved one. This is when many families begin to bicker and argue over what they believed their loved one would have wanted.

To help, many people plan prior to their death for how their assets will be divided with the help of an estate planning attorney in South Dakota. Here is how to prepare your will in a way that will help your family avoid disputes and stay cordial as they grieve their loss:

• Don’t let anyone be surprised. Everyone has his own idea about what you should give away and who should receive specific items or money from your will. After your passing, you will not be able to explain your decision to give away (or not to give away) specific items from your estate. If you are concerned that there may be any surprises, talk to your loved ones while you are still with them to explain your decision so that they can have peace after your passing.
• Meet with your South Dakota estate planning lawyer alone. You are the only one who knows what you want done with your assets after you have passed. If you bring a family member with you to meet with the estate planning attorney in South Dakota, then you risk being influenced in a way that may not be truly what you want. Working independently with your attorney can help.
• Keep your will current. Life changes quickly and unpredictably. If you fail to keep your will up-to-date and in line with what you want after your passing, you risk your assets being given to the wrong person, and other family members feeling slighted or forgotten. Always keep your will current so that there are never any regrets or disagreements after your death.

Thinking about death is never easy, but it is necessary if you are to help your family prepare. Contact Swier Law Firm, Prof. LLC, today for more information on how we can help you create a simple and straightforward will, so that you can be confident your wishes are honored after your passing.