Failure to update an estate plan can lead to bitter disputes among heirs, and this was illustrated when the actor Heath Ledger passed away. Ledger died without adding his daughter to his will, which resulted in a costly and public legal battle. Joan Rivers was one celebrity who managed to avoid such pitfalls. The actress updated her will regularly, and the prudent use of trusts kept the details of her estate plan confidential.
Many people find it difficult to think about matters such as wills and estate plans, and this is especially true among those who are young and in good health. An attorney with experience in this area could explain how tackling these important decisions can provide peace of mind, and they may also point out that goal of an estate plan is to provide the maximum benefit to heirs while avoiding unnecessary conflict and tax exposure.
Failure to update an estate plan can lead to bitter disputes among heirs, and this was illustrated when the actor Heath Ledger passed away. Ledger died without adding his daughter to his will, which resulted in a costly and public legal battle. Joan Rivers was one celebrity who managed to avoid such pitfalls. The actress updated her will regularly, and the prudent use of trusts kept the details of her estate plan confidential.
Many people find it difficult to think about matters such as wills and estate plans, and this is especially true among those who are young and in good health. An attorney with experience in this area could explain how tackling these important decisions can provide peace of mind, and they may also point out that goal of an estate plan is to provide the maximum benefit to heirs while avoiding unnecessary conflict and tax exposure.
