Some Ohio residents may think that they do not need to create an estate plan because they are not overly wealthy. However, holding on to this notion could actually cause a considerable number of difficulties for surviving family members in the event of a person’s passing. Even if parties are not affluent, they likely still have reason to move forward with estate planning.
First, if individuals have minor children, a will is a vital estate planning document. A will is the only document that goes into an estate plan that allows parents to indicate who they want to take over as guardian for their minor children in the event of their passing. Without this designation in a legally binding document, the court will decide who takes over the care of those children.
Additionally, estate plans can help avoid family squabbles. Even if individuals do not have a considerable number of valuable items, they may still have sentimental items that various family members have an attachment to. If a person does not indicate in an estate plan who should get what, the estate could end up tied up in court as family members fight over certain assets.
Of course, these are only a couple of examples of why estate planning can be beneficial. These plans are immensely versatile, and Ohio residents could find that they can cover numerous important areas with their plans. Some may not know where to start, but fortunately, legal professionals are available to help those who are interested in moving forward with the planning process.