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Chandler KelloggThe simple answer is no, you're never too young for estate planning. Most people associate last wills and testaments with older family members preparing their assets for the inevitable. However, it's crucial to understand that it's never too early to plan – it can only ever be too late.
Estate planning can be compared to life insurance. When an unforeseen event occurs and you need it, it's already too late to obtain it. Just as it's too late to acquire life insurance once you've passed away, it's too late to draft and sign a Power of Attorney or execute a will or trust if you become incapacitated or worse.
Although a significant portion of clients in the estate planning field consists of individuals nearing retirement or already retired, it's always encouraging to see younger clients taking steps to secure their future. Many individuals in their thirties or even their twenties recognize the importance of estate planning. Once you have children, estate planning becomes crucial, as a will allows you to designate a guardian for them. Without a will in place, a court will determine who raises your children if you pass away. Although the court will ensure your children are placed with a suitable guardian, wouldn't you prefer to bypass the court process and explicitly state your choice?
In addition, you can establish guidelines for your children's inheritance, preventing them from receiving a lump sum at eighteen, the legal age of adulthood. Consider your mindset at eighteen and how you would have managed a large sum of money. Even as a responsible young adult, such funds may have been difficult to manage.
If you're among the countless individuals who recognize the need for estate planning but have been procrastinating, now is the time to act. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney will make the process smooth and painless, and you'll feel relieved once it's completed. Many people have witnessed the advantages of a proper estate plan in their own families, as well as the consequences of not having one when unexpected events occur. Initiate estate planning now to secure peace of mind, knowing your family's future is protected.
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