Lardiere, McNair & Stonebrook is a General Practice firm, but did you know a huge part of our business and experience lies in Estate Planning? Our Estate Planning team has decades of experience and they are uniquely equipped to help you plan for your future and protect your loved ones. 

When most people hear the term "estate planning," they often assume it’s only for the wealthy or the elderly. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Estate planning is a critical tool for anyone—regardless of age or net worth—who wants to have a say in what happens to their assets, protect their loved ones, and ensure their wishes are honored.

Why Estate Planning Matters for Everyone

1. Protecting Your Loved Ones You don’t need millions in assets to care about what happens to your belongings and, more importantly, your family. A simple will or trust can help ensure that your assets—whether it’s a home, a car, or even sentimental items—are passed on according to your wishes.
2. Healthcare and Financial Directives If you were to become incapacitated due to an accident or illness, who would make medical or financial decisions on your behalf? A power of attorney and an advance healthcare directive allow you to appoint someone you trust to make critical decisions when you are unable to do so.
3. Avoiding Family Disputes Even modest estates can become sources of family conflict if there is no clear plan in place. By having a basic estate plan, you can minimize the potential for disputes and ensure your wishes are carried out smoothly.
4. Minimizing Legal Hassles Without an estate plan, your assets may go through a lengthy and costly probate process. Having a will or trust can help streamline this process, potentially saving your loved ones time, money, and stress.

Simple Steps to Start Estate Planning

• Draft a Will – A will outlines how you want your assets distributed and who will care for any minor children.
• Establish Powers of Attorney – Designate someone to handle financial and healthcare decisions if you’re unable to do so.
• Review Beneficiary Designations – Ensure that your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other assets go to the right people.
• Consider a Trust – Even if you don’t have significant wealth, a trust can be useful for managing assets efficiently and avoiding probate.
• Regularly Update Your Plan – Life changes, such as marriage, having children, or acquiring assets, may require adjustments to your estate plan.

Estate Planning Is for Everyone

Estate planning isn’t just about wealth; it’s about making life easier for those you care about. Whether you’re young or old, single or married, have significant assets or just a few, taking steps to create an estate plan provides peace of mind and ensures that your wishes are honored. Start the conversation today and take control of your future.

Marisa Ray-Gooden is a Paralegal at Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA.

Disclaimers: Artificial intelligence is used as a tool to supplement, enhance, make suggestions, and generate blog language from the thoughts, ideas, and opinions of our human lawyers.  The final product is reviewed and edited by an attorney. 

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