Chances are you know that an estate plan is something you need, even though making arrangements for your own death is never exactly fun.

But you’ve built your business through strategic forward-thinking and by making smart decisions. Why should your estate plan be any different?

Small business owners can reap the benefits of setting everything up the right way. An experienced estate planning attorney who understands the strategies that are available to you for your family can help you do this.

Benefits of An Estate Plan

There are many significant benefits to establishing an effective estate plan, including deciding who will inherit specific assets, possessions, or valuables; and designating guardians for minor children; and avoid or minimizing taxes.

Without an estate plan, heirs must go through a very stressful probate process, which can take years. It can also be expensive. With a will, you can protect your young children and ensure that they are cared for by designating a guardian. Without a will, the court decides who will care for your children.

An estate plan can also stop fights before they start. One child—for whatever reason—may think he or she deserves more than the others. Such disagreements can easily wind up in court, with family members fighting each other and spending thousands in legal fees.

An Estate Plan Protects Your Business

An estate plan usually includes the following:

• A will
• A financial power of attorney and a medical power of attorney (with consent)
• A living will
• A living trust (optional)

With an effective estate plan, you can make certain your assets are handled the way you intended if you were to become mentally incapacitated or pass away. You can choose who will be in charge of your medical affairs, financial affairs, and even specific assets such as a small business. If a business owner doesn’t have an estate plan, state law would determine who would be in control of the business.

A big question for a small business owner is who will oversee the business if he or she becomes incapacitated or dies. A key is determining the best strategy after the death of the owner. A business succession plan is critical.

Photo by Marcus Aurelius from Pexels