Many Texas residents and others around the nation understand the importance of planning for the future when they will no longer be around to care for their families. While not a pleasant topic, estate planning is a necessary process to ensure that one's loved ones will be cared for properly. If a family has children, they often become the major focus of most decisions within a plan. This becomes even more critical if the person creating the estate plan is a single parent.
Estate planning carries particular weight for single parents
Franklin's handwritten wills raise new inheritance questions
The news in Texas and around the nation was full of stories regarding how Aretha Franklin died without a will in August of 2018. Many questions involving inheritance issues arose since there was no estate plan in place, specifying who should receive her assets. Recently, three handwritten wills were found at Franklin's home, creating even more confusion about the Queen of Soul's legacy.
Estate planning is an important process for all
Thinking about the future when one will no longer be around is not often a pleasant activity for most Texas residents. However, planning for the future is necessary if one wants to ensure that family members are protected. It is critical that those decisions can be made while a person still has the capacity to do so. Yet, many individuals avoid the estate planning process, even while recognizing its importance. Experts want to put some common misconceptions aside to emphasize the need to have a comprehensive estate plan.
Avoid some common misconceptions about estate planning
Texas residents often discuss their retirement years with financial planners, frequently going to great lengths to assure that they will have sufficient income streams when they are no longer working. Some also have wills in place that name beneficiaries who will receive assets after their passing. While these are important steps to take while thinking about long-terms needs, many individuals do not fully plan for all aspects of their future. Experts report that comprehensive estate planning is often overlooked or considered unnecessary.
Ask parents about long-term care needs, other retirement plans
Many Texas residents and others across the country are blessed to still have their parents involved in their lives. However, as parents age, a host of questions arise regarding their futures. Some individuals may ask their parents about their retirement funds, wills or long-term care plans out of concern. However, those same individuals may not have considered that the answers to those questions may have a significant impact on their lives as well.
