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Home >> Estate Planning Articles >> I Have an Estate Plan: Do I Still Need My Attorney?

I Have an Estate Plan: Do I Still Need My Attorney?

January 31, 2012 by Robert Kulas.

Compliments of Our Law Firm,
By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

Your estate plan is prepared. Your Living Trust is in place and properly funded, you have a Pour-Over Will just in case, and your incapacity plan is ready and waiting in the event you need it. Is it time to part ways with your attorney?

Not at all! In fact, your relationship with your estate planning attorney has just started, and here’s why:

Your Estate Plan Should Be Reviewed and Updated Regularly

Peoples’ lives change, and their estate plans should be adjusted accordingly. Every two to four years, you should sit down with your attorney and look over your existing plan in light of your family’s current circumstances.

  • Has anyone been born, gotten married or divorced, or died?
  • Has your family’s financial status undergone a significant change?
  • Have any of your fiduciaries – your Executor, Trustee, guardian – moved away, passed away, become disabled, or otherwise undergone a status change that necessitates the appointment of a replacement?
  • Do you want to change any bequests or add or remove any Beneficiaries?
  • Do you need to change the Beneficiary designations of any insurance policies or financial accounts?

Your attorney can help you address these and other important considerations, in addition to advising you on how changes in the law may affect your estate plan. Your attorney may recommend changes in your estate plan that address these law changes or take advantage of new legal strategies.

You Might Not Be Your Own Trustee For Life

You might serve as Trustee of your Living Trust until your death, but that is not guaranteed. What will happen if you become physically or mentally incapacitated – or if you simply reach a point where you’re ready to hand over the reins to your Successor Trustee?

In either of these situations, your estate planning attorney can prepare the appropriate documents, guide your Successor Trustee, and assist with the transition so that the management of your Trust remains uninterrupted.

Your Successor Trustee Will Need Help

One of the reasons for creating a Living Trust is to make the administration of your estate after you pass away easier, less expensive, and faster with a Trust than it would have been without one. However, this does not mean that your Successor Trustee’s job will be easy and hassle-free. There will be assets to inventory, Beneficiaries to deal with, and financial issues to worry about. Your estate planning attorney is already familiar with the requirements imposed by state law. He or she can guide your Successor Trustee in administering your Trust and ensuring that your estate is settled as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your estate planning attorney can help ensure your plan keeps pace with your evolving needs and can serve as a trusted guide as you and your loved ones face new challenges.

Kulas & Crawford

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We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

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~L.G.K
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

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~Joan C
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

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~Mildred W
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

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~Leo C
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

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~Krissy L
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

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~Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

default image
Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

default image
Krissy L.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

default image
Leo C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

default image
Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

default image
Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

default image
L.G.K.
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