One of the most frequently asked questions is at what age you should start estate planning. The simple answer is now! This article will help you find the top reasons why you should consider estate planning as soon as you turn 18.
Do you ever sit back and think about what will happen to your possessions and estate when you are no longer there? This might sound awkward, but proper planning is critical of ensuring that your loved ones face no challenges after your death. Eighteen years of age is the right time to consider wills and estate planning to guarantee happiness for your family and loved ones. It is never too early to start estate planning.
There are several reliable firms that offer numerous essential services, such as wills, power of attorney, insurance, trusts, and proper assistance in estate planning. Read below to find out under what circumstances you should begin with it and what are the essential elements of this procedure. But before that, you must know at what age you can start with this crucial future preparation.
What Is The Right Age To Start Estate Planning?
There is no what is called the ‘right’ time to get started with creating an estate plan. It is best to start as early as possible. If you have attained 18 years of age or more, there are various convincing reasons you need to consider this future arrangement. This step will ensure that all your assets are appropriately distributed according to your will after you pass away.
Circumstances Under Which You Need An Estate Plan
There are a number of circumstances under which one should consider designing an estate plan at the earliest. Some of them include opening a bank account, marriage, childbirth, child adoption, new members in the family, or divorce. This is also applicable if there has been an increase in your wealth in recent years. Please read below to find out some of them.
When You Open A Savings Account
Once you open your savings account, the very next step should be determining who will be the owner of your savings after you pass away. This is an effective way to guarantee that your possession will be transferred to someone as per your will.
Marriage
When you are in your twenties or thirties, it is the time when you are well-established. It is also the time when you are likely to be married and have kids already. Thus, you might need to consider designing an estate plan for your spouse and children to determine what will happen to your assets in the event of your death. Thus, you will be able to prepare a future plan about what will happen and what will be passed on to your kids after one or both of their parent’s death.
Child Birth Or Child Adoption
If you have recently become a parent to a child or have adopted a kid, this might be the most convincing reason for you to connect to an estate planning advisor. This step will ensure future security in every aspect, including financially and mentally. Further, if it is the second birth in the family or there are new members in the family, you are recommended to update the wills with the assistance of the right advisor.
Divorce
Another circumstance where one cannot overlook the importance of estate planning is divorce. If you or your partner have recently parted ways, it becomes essential for you to determine to whom shall your assets and properties pass in the event of your death. This will guarantee financial security for your kids. You must also update any previous estate plans you might have created with your ex-spouse.
There are several planning advisors that can offer you the right and practical solutions to manage your assets in the best way.
Change In Possessions
In the event of an increase in wealth and possessions, you must consider estate planning at the earliest. In fact, if you already have a plan, you need to update the plan. It is so because it must also be determined prior to whom the additional assets or wealth will be transferred after your death.
Essential Elements Of The Estate Planning Procedure
There are several elements included in the design of the right plan. Some of the essential elements include wills, trusts, power of attorney, nomination, and regular updation. These elements have been discussed in detail below. Continue reading further to find out.
Create A Will
The first step to creating the right plan is determining and making a will about whom should all your possessions be passed to after your death. This will avoid any circumstances when your family is not provided with their designated possessions after your death.
Create A Trust
If your possessions or properties are large, you should create a trust which avoids any liability of taxes or other charges on the property. Thus, trust gives you more control as opposed to a will.
Nominate
In case you are married and are worried about who will take care of your child after your death, nominating a guardian may help you. You can hire an experienced estate planning attorney to nominate a guardian.
Update Your Plan Regularly
Updating your designed plan regularly is an essential step. The updation might help the change in your possessions reflect on your plan and ensure that your family can inherit it without any hassle.
Final Thoughts
Estate planning is a significant part of financial plan. This process is deemed necessary in several circumstances, such as divorce, childbirth, marriage, change in possessions, etc. It is a challenging task and involves several elements, such as the power of attorneys, wills, trusts, nominating a guardian, or regular updation of the plans. You can get help from a reliable and experienced attorney who can assist you throughout the journey. In the United Kingdom, several legal firms can assist you by providing the best professionals with several years of expertise in their respective fields.