Protecting the family’s estate can be a major concern for many. Of all the financial factors to consider, knowing who is entitled to what and how much to leave can be both emotional and physically demanding.
In order to decide what will happen to the estate, it’s worth taking the time to plan as much as possible now. Here are some ways to safeguard your money, property and belongings and provide for your loved ones after you’re gone.
Hire a professional
Before you get the process underway, it’s worth doing some research and finding an estate planning expert who can provide sound, relevant advice. After all, you want to make sure that everything is in order and by choosing someone who understands your needs and the legalities involved, you’re best placed to ensure your estate will be protected and in safe hands for future generations.
Write a will
It’s essential that you have a will in place. This will ensure that you are giving your financial assets and other belongings to the beneficiaries that you want them to go to. It also ensures that there is less likely to be any disruption or disagreements after your death.
Preparation and being organised now will be in your favour later.
Keep everyone updated
Once you’ve received some advice and written a will, let your family know what the plan is for your estate. Doing this now while you’re still alive will ensure that beneficiaries know what your wishes are at this point.
Additionally, this is an appropriate time to let loved ones know what’s paid for, any outstanding financial concerns that must be addressed, and any other responsibilities that come with the estate. By using this time to share these details, you are preparing your family for what’s to come.
Gift assets while you’re here
You don’t have to wait until you die to pass your estate on to your loved ones. It may be that you want to set your grandchildren up with a home of their own or you might decide to gift your children with money that can help them as they approach retirement age.
As well as being able to see how you’re helping your family become more financially secure, this could help reduce the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax reasons.
Consider business succession planning
If you own a business, you might want to consider succession planning. This will set out who takes on the business when you retire or once you pass away. This is relevant both if you run a family business or if it’s an individual enterprise.
Preparing now could give you peace of mind for the future of your company – especially if it’s family-run.
What steps will you take to protect your family estate?
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