Seasoned Guidance For Updating Your Estate Plan

Updating your estate plan is essential to ensure the protection and distribution of your assets according to your wishes. At the Law Office of Kevin A. O’Brien in New Castle County, we understand the importance of estate planning in Delaware and offer comprehensive services to help you achieve your goals. As estate plan attorneys, we know that estate planning is not just about safeguarding assets but also about protecting relationships.

Our father-son team, with over 40 years of combined experience, emphasizes solutions that promote family harmony. If you need to update your existing estate plan or create a new one, our estate plan lawyers will strive to ensure that your estate plan reflects your unique needs and goals.

The Estate Planning Process

The estate planning process involves several steps, including assessing your assets, determining your goals, creating a plan that meets your needs and updating the plan. We offer guidance for creating and updating various estate planning documents, including:

  • Wills outline how you want your assets to be distributed after your passing and name an executor to carry out your wishes.
  • Revocable living trusts allow you to maintain control over your assets while providing asset protection and avoiding probate.
  • Special needs trusts can provide for a disabled loved one’s care and well-being, while still allowing them to qualify for government benefits.
  • Generation-skipping trusts can provide asset protection without restricting the inheritor’s control, shielding assets from divorce settlements and lawsuits.
  • Powers of attorney give trusted people the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

It is essential to view estate plans as complete systems rather than individual documents. Thus, our approach to estate planning favors collaboration and transparency to prevent suspicion and maintain family unity. Our goal is to prepare you for the future while ensuring your loved ones are cared for in your absence.

How Often Should You Update Your Estate Plan?

It is critical to update your estate plan when family situations change, particularly with marriages, divorces or concerns about in-laws. Consulting with an estate plan attorney can help you review your estate plan regularly to ensure it still reflects your wishes and goals. We recommend updating your estate plan every few years or when significant changes occur in your life.

Take Action Today On Updating Your Estate Plan

If you need to update your estate plan, it is vital to hire a skilled and experienced estate plan lawyer. At the Law Office of Kevin A. O’Brien, we offer no-obligation consultations. We offer direct attorney access and reasonable fees. Reach out to us today at 302-888-2707 or through our online contact form to book a consultation.