Make Sure Your Affairs Are In Order So Your Loved Ones Are Not Burdened: 2 Important Tips

11 October 2016
 Categories: Law, Blog

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No one likes to think about the end, but it would be selfish to neglect your affairs and leave the mess to your loved ones. They will be stressed enough as it is, you don't want to create even more stress by forcing them to deal with a litany of lawyers, probate problems, funeral arrangements, and countless other things. So, it's a nice thing to do for your family. Here are two important things to arrange.

Burial Arrangements

You should decide if you want to be cremated or buried. If you would like to be cremated, you should also decide what you want done with your ashes. It might create stress for your family if you leave the decision open. Should they spread your ashes in the ocean? Or keep them in an urn? It's best to have it all written down in your will. Likewise, if you are planning on being buried, do you want a particular religious service beforehand?

You can purchase your grave spot ahead of time. If you're married, you and your spouse can get a double plot so that you will both be together. That way your family won't have to deal with arranging the spot. The last thing you want for your family is for them to have to call around to different cemetery's and try and find an open spot.

Money, Charity, Property, Debts

The other thing you need to do is make sure you have allocated your property. It can cause lots of trouble if you die without leaving your home or property to specific people. Distant relatives might show up and lay claim to your home, and your children will have to get lawyers to deal with the mess. This is why it is so crucial to hire an estate attorney and have them draw up a will. Plus, it's not just your home. Any assets you have in the bank, or in stocks, need to be allocated. It's not enough to tell someone they will inherit your things—you need a legal document; otherwise, your distant cousin that you have never met might show up and sue to take possession of the material.

Finally, you should also consider charity and debts. If you have significant debts, then you need to speak with an estate attorney to see how to protect your assets and life insurance from the problem of the debt. There might be ways to shelter your assets in the event that you cannot pay off the debt before you die. These are all things that are extremely complex and are best left to an expert in estate law. For more information, visit a law firm like Wayne E Janssen Atty.