If you were to pass away tomorrow, do you have legal estate plans that would handle your assets properly? If the answer is no, then you should get started on that by contacting a local estate planning attorney. According to Legal Zoom, only a third of American adults have estate planning documents ready. Avoid having your assets in limbo and leaving your loved ones hanging upon your passing. Here are the benefits of creating an estate plan as soon as possible.

Protect Anyone Vulnerable

Do you have loved ones that are vulnerable? In other words, are there any children, minors, elderly, relatives with special needs people, or anyone else who would need guardianship upon your passing? If there's anyone whose care you're in charge of, make sure they will continue to be cared for upon your death. For that to be legal, you'd have to contact an estate planning attorney to ensure your wishes are carried out so that such loved ones are protected.

Avoid Excessive Taxes

Taxes are a part of life and your estate is no different. However, with proper planning, you can ensure your future heirs don't have to give up the majority of their inheritance to taxes. Your estate planning attorney can advise you on the best way to manage your assets now, and how to distribute them. For example, you may want to put things in a trust as opposed to a will. You may also want to consider deeding your home over to your future airs while you're still alive.

Adjust to Life Changes

Have you gone through a divorce? Do you have any beneficiaries that may have passed away? If so, it's a good idea to contact your estate planning attorney to make any adjustments needed to your estate. After all, your direct next of kin will change after a divorce. By making such adjustments as soon as possible, you can ensure your estate doesn't go into the wrong hands or come under the control of the state.

As you can see, you have many reasons to contact your local estate planning attorney as soon as possible. If you haven't seen your estate planner in a while, you may want to check in with them to make any necessary adjustments. After all, making sure your estate is up to date can guarantee your wishes are carried out and you take care of the people who are closest to you. For estate planning that you can trust, contact Knowles, Bouziane & Shaffer Law, LLC today.