Estate planning in Spokane in preparation for the possible event of your premature demise is both thoughtful and necessary. It can make the process of caring for and distributing your estate proceeds smoothly and in the way that you desire. However, it is important that you communicate with your family and friends about your estate plan so that no one is taken by surprise. For instance, more than once, people have been stunned to find upon the death of a friend that they have been named the guardian of the friend’s children. This is something to communicate beforehand with those whom you wish to name guardians for obvious reasons.
When you are ready to do your estate planning in Spokane, sit down with your attorney and make sure that all your desires for the distribution of your estate are clearly expressed, but also that if your demise comes sooner than you had hoped, no one will be surprised not only by suddenly being responsible for children, but whether or not they will take part in your inheritance. Clearly stating your provisions, if you have any, for the distribution of your estate may clear up issues you have with family members while you are still alive, but in any event will certainly make them clear prior to your death if your family members are unaware of them now.
A case in point might be a grandfather who planned to disinherit any progeny who divorced after marrying. While this might cause a lot of complaints and strain in his extended family, making his wishes known before he dies might have an influence on his children and grandchildren. This is the kind of provision one might want to make known. However, it is usually advised in life or after death not to attempt to manipulate and control the lives of other family members, albeit how you distribute your own estate and wealth is your own privilege.
Although living wills are not directly a function of estate planning, a Spokane lawyer can help you designate someone to make choices for you should you be in a position where you are continuing to live solely due to life support technology. Discussing with the person you designate what all your wishes would be in that kind of a circumstance is a good idea now, so that the person can freely make decisions for your continued health on your behalf without worrying whether or not they are following your express wishes. You will have these written, of course, but discussing them with the person you name is important, as well.
