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About Estate Planning cases
Estate planning is about making important decisions now to help protect your family, property, and wishes in the future. It involves creating legal documents that explain how your assets should be distributed, who should care for your children or dependents, and who can make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself.
Common estate planning tools include a last will and testament, living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. These documents can help reduce confusion, avoid family disputes, and make sure your preferences are clear and legally recognized. Estate planning is not just for people with large estates—almost anyone can benefit from having a plan in place.
Working with an estate planning lawyer can help you understand your options and create a plan tailored to your needs. Lawyers can also help you update your documents as your life circumstances change, such as after marriage, divorce, having children, or acquiring new assets.
Who may qualify for review
Whether you may benefit from estate planning depends on several factors, including your family situation, the types of assets you own, your health, and your personal wishes. People with children, dependents, real estate, business interests, or specific healthcare preferences often consider estate planning to help ensure their wishes are followed. A lawyer may review details such as your marital status, the value and type of your property, your goals for distributing assets, and any concerns about guardianship or incapacity. Some people also want to plan for charitable giving, minimize potential taxes, or avoid probate where possible. State laws can affect what documents are needed and how they must be prepared or signed. Even if your estate is simple, having clear instructions can help your family avoid unnecessary stress and legal complications. If you already have an estate plan, it may be important to review and update it after major life events or changes in the law. Participating law firms may review your information to help determine what estate planning options could fit your situation. Only a licensed attorney can provide advice specific to your needs.
Information that may help
You do not need every record before starting, but these details help a participating law firm understand your situation faster.
- List of all assets (real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, business interests, valuable personal property)
- List of all debts and liabilities (mortgages, loans, credit cards, other obligations)
- Copies of existing wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents (if any)
- Names and contact information for intended beneficiaries and heirs
- Names and contact information for potential guardians for minor children or dependents
- Names and contact information for individuals you may want to appoint as executor, trustee, or power of attorney
- Marriage certificate, divorce decrees, or prenuptial/postnuptial agreements (if applicable)
- Birth certificates or adoption records for children or dependents
- Life insurance policies and beneficiary designations
- Recent tax returns and financial statements
- Titles or deeds for real estate and vehicles
- Healthcare information, including current providers and any advance healthcare directives
Deadline note
Estate planning does not have a single deadline, but certain legal requirements and time limits may apply, especially when updating documents or making changes after major life events. State laws vary, and waiting too long could affect your options or the validity of your documents. It is important to speak with a qualified lawyer promptly to help ensure your wishes are properly documented and legally protected.
Questions people ask about Estate Planning
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of creating legal documents that outline how your assets, property, healthcare decisions, and family responsibilities should be handled if you pass away or become unable to make decisions. Common documents include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning can help ensure your wishes are followed and reduce confusion for your loved ones.
Do I need an estate plan if I do not have a lot of assets?
Estate planning is not just for people with large estates. Even if you have modest assets, having a plan can help make sure your wishes are clear and your family is protected. An estate plan can also address guardianship for children, healthcare decisions, and who will manage your affairs if you become unable to do so.
What documents are typically included in an estate plan?
An estate plan may include a last will and testament, living trust, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, and guardianship instructions. The specific documents you need can depend on your goals, assets, and state law. An estate planning lawyer can help you decide which documents fit your situation.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will is a legal document that states how your assets should be distributed after your death and can name guardians for minor children. A trust is a separate legal entity that can hold and manage assets during your lifetime and after your death, often helping to avoid probate. The best choice for you depends on your goals and personal circumstances.
How can I make sure my children are cared for if something happens to me?
You can use estate planning documents, such as a will, to name a guardian for your minor children. This helps ensure your preferences are known and considered by the court if you are unable to care for them. An attorney can help you prepare these documents according to your wishes and state law.
What evidence or information should I gather for estate planning?
It is helpful to collect information about your assets, property, debts, insurance policies, and family members. You may also want to list your preferences for healthcare decisions and guardianship for dependents. Bringing this information to a lawyer can help them better understand your needs and goals.
What is the process for connecting with an estate planning lawyer through Pursuing?
You can submit your information securely through Pursuing's platform. Participating law firms may review your details to determine if they can assist with your estate planning needs. If a lawyer is able to help, they may contact you to discuss your options and next steps.
Is there a cost for submitting my estate planning case for review?
There is no cost or obligation to submit your information through Pursuing for an initial review. If you choose to work with a lawyer after your case is reviewed, fees and costs will be discussed directly with the attorney. You are not required to hire any lawyer you are matched with.
Are there deadlines for creating or updating an estate plan?
Estate planning does not have a single deadline, but certain legal requirements and time limits may apply, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or having children. State laws vary, so it is important to speak with a qualified lawyer promptly to help ensure your documents are valid and up to date.
What happens after I submit my information?
After you submit your information, participating law firms may review your details to see if they can assist with your estate planning needs. If a lawyer is able to help, they may reach out to you for more information or to schedule a consultation. There is no obligation to move forward unless you choose to do so.
Pursuing is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information submitted through Pursuing may be reviewed by participating law firms, and eligibility depends on the facts of each matter, state law, and legal review.