Southington Estate Planning Attorney

Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys Help You Prepare for the Future

Have you ever considered the benefits of estate planning and how it can help your family after you pass away? Many individuals mistakenly believe that they do not need to think about writing wills or other issues related to estate planning until they grow older. Almost everyone can benefit from creating a comprehensive plan that focuses on long-term goals for themselves and their loved ones.

The Law Offices of Ericson, Scalise & Mangan, PC, is a Connecticut law firm that has in-depth experience helping clients manage their estate planning needs. When you come to us for assistance, we will work closely with you to create a solution tailored to fit your goals and circumstances. Contact our law office today to schedule an appointment so we can get started on your case.

What are the Benefits of Estate Planning?

Although most Connecticut citizens are knowledgeable regarding the legal advantages of writing a will, many are unaware of the benefits of a thorough estate plan. For example, under Connecticut law, estates valued at over $40,000 must go through the probate process during which the will, if one exists, is validated, debts and taxes are paid, and assets are distributed. Probate can be time-consuming and costly, and often results in heirs and beneficiaries having to wait to receive their financial resources. An estate planning attorney can help identify legal strategies, such as creating a trust, beneficiary designations, or establishing a trust, to ensure your family is financially equipped to face the future after you’re gone.

One of the other most significant advantages of estate planning involves asset protection. For example, creating a living trust may be the most effective option if you are concerned about safeguarding your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or if you should ever need to enter a nursing home.

Other benefits of estate planning include granting individuals you trust powers of attorney (POA) to make financial and healthcare decisions should you become incapacitated. No one knows better than you what you want regarding your medical decisions. That being the case, taking steps today can spare your loved ones from having to deal with guardianship proceedings and avoid family disputes as to the type of care you may want. No one knows better than you what you want regarding your medical decisions. 

Why is it Best to hire an Attorney to Help Me With the Estate Planning Process?

Estate planning can be challenging to navigate without skilled legal representation. The last thing you want is for loved ones and other beneficiaries to have to engage in estate litigation to resolve unnecessary legal issues after your death. Hiring an attorney is the most practical solution to ensuring that your estate plan meets all legal standards and that it accurately reflects your wishes.

Working with an attorney can help prevent expensive legal errors such as incorrect beneficiary designations or ambiguous language that could be challenged in probate court. Having skilled legal representation also plays a vital role in identifying asset protection strategies that will align with your personal circumstances.

Periodically, you should also conduct a thorough review to ensure that it accurately reflects your goals and continues to reflect your intended directives. It is recommended that, with the help of your attorney, you review your estate plan every three to five years or if you experience a significant life event. Significant life events that can facilitate an immediate review of your estate plan include marriage, divorce, remarriage, the death of a spouse, the birth of children, or inheritance, to name a few.

If you are seeking professional advice about estate planning, please contact the Law Offices of Ericson, Scalise & Mangan, PC, and ask to schedule an appointment. We will gladly provide you with more information.

How Can Granting Someone a Power of Attorney Protect Me if I Become Incapacitated?

A key component of estate planning is granting another individual power of attorney to manage your financial or medical affairs should you become incapacitated. An essential component of estate planning is designating a person you trust as a durable power of attorney (POA). A durable POA allows your agent to manage your financial, legal, and healthcare affairs should you be unable to do so for yourself.

A durable POA also protects against potential guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, which can be costly or lead to family disputes. If the court appoints a guardian, it could result in someone you don’t know making decisions on your behalf. Appointing a POA also ensures that your affairs will be managed quickly without the need for court intervention.

In addition to handling your legal and financial affairs, having a healthcare POA is of equal importance. When you appoint a healthcare POA, also called an appointment of a healthcare representative, you can give them specific guidelines or instructions regarding the medical care you wish to receive. Having a pre-appointed healthcare POA helps to prevent your family or friends from having to guess regarding your wishes, especially for end-of-life care.

Contact Our Law Firm Today to Schedule an Appointment to Start Planning for Your Family’s Future

The Law Offices of Ericson, Scalise & Mangan, PC, has a proven record of assisting clients with their estate planning needs. Our highly qualified attorneys and staff are committed to helping you make well-informed decisions throughout the entire legal process. Regardless of whether you need help incorporating a business succession plan into your estate plan or want to appoint guardians for your minor children, our attorneys are ready to help.

Planning today can help your family be prepared for what lies ahead. If you are ready to start planning for your family’s future, contact our law office today to schedule a consultation. You may contact us at our New Britain office at 860-854-3809 or our Avon office at 860-854-3545 so we can get started on your case.