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Which estate planning myths are holding you back? Don’t have a will yet? You are not alone. According to a 2016 Harris poll on behalf of Rocket Lawyer: 64% of Americans don’t have a will. Why? Procrastination maybe. Or the fact that there are a lot of myths surrounding estate planning. 

Busting the 10 estate planning myths

Myth #1: It is too late to start. 

It’s never too late to plan your estate to protect your family. Many clients are embarrassed to admit they never started. Or confessed to having online documents, half-completed and never signed. One of the best feelings was when a client signed their documents and breathed an audible sign of relief.

Myth #2: I have to figure everything out first  

Getting your will and other estate planning documents done is faster and easier than getting a mortgage. You give the estate planning attorney basic information and through an interview, the attorney will know how to custom an estate plan specific to your family’s needs. If you have trouble deciding on who to be the guardian of your children or who to be your healthcare power of attorney, a lawyer can guide you to your best choice.

Myth #3: I don’t have much money to make an estate plan. 

Estate planning is less about the money you have and more about the protection of your family. If you have children, you need to name a guardian for their care if something should happen to you. If you have anyone who depends on you, you need an estate plan.

Myth #4: People already know what I want to be done with my estate. 

But what if they don’t? Or what if there are disagreements among family members? Don’t leave your estate plan up to chance. Who will inherit your money? Who will take care of your children or pets? A little planning now avoids a whole lot of confusion.

Myth #5: My family situation is too complicated for a lawyer to figure out. 

Estate planning attorneys know how to make complicated situations easier. They may also present solutions to other problems that you may have not contemplated. Lawyers are used to complicated problems. Ask them about their Bar Exam.

Myth #6: I’m young. I don’t have kids. What’s the worst that could happen? 

What if you were in an accident and couldn’t make medical decisions for yourself? What if you had an end-stage terminal illness, who would make decisions about life-sustaining measures?

Myth #7: A lawyer is going to judge my family situation. 

No family is perfect. Far from it. Everyone has a family member that gives them angst. Attorneys have seen it all and won’t judge. They help with will disputes, resolve issues among family members and prevent family conflicts.

Myth #8: I can “do it myself.”

But will you? Many of my clients had started the process with online or boilerplate forms only to stop because it was confusing or they did not lack confidence once they read all the disclaimers of using the forms. Many estate planning attorneys generate nice fees from correcting mistakes caused by “do it yourself” forms. If you weren’t a doctor, would you perform surgery on yourself? Estate planning shouldn’t be a “do it yourself” project.

Myth #9: We can’t get it done until my spouse and I agree on who would take care of our children.

Estate planning attorneys can help you agree on many issues that you and your spouse are contemplating. Choosing guardians for your minor children is one of the most challenging. There are many decisions to make about your children’s guardians. An estate planning attorney will ask questions about your children and present different scenarios. They will guide you to a choice in which you and your spouse will be comfortable.

Myth #10: If I start thinking about my death, I am going to jinx myself. 

Sadly, some people are superstitious. Death and taxes are a certainty and a good estate plan helps with both. Not having a will or estate plan will prevent you from death. It will only make things more difficult for your loved ones.

Now that we have busted the estate planning myths, what is holding you back? What do you need to do to get your estate plan in order? Make an appointment with an estate planning attorney today to review your family’s situation and needs.

Need more tips to help your family? Get the #1 Amazon Bestseller in new releases for Wills/Estates Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation: How to Help Your Parents and Protect Your Kids today.