When you’re going through a divorce, you’ll have many considerations to make, from how you will split your property to whether or not you will gain custody of your children. However, the last thing on your mind during this process is likely estate planning. Unfortunately, many people are unsure how a divorce can impact their documents or what changes to make. As such, connecting with a Los Angeles divorce attorney can help ensure you make the correct changes to these documents so they reflect your new wishes. Keep reading to learn more about this process.
What Estate Planning Decisions Should I Make During a Divorce?
When you get a divorce, there are many impacts it can have on the estate plan you have established. One of the most important documents that will be affected is your will. You likely have a considerable amount of assets left to your spouse or have them named as the executor. As such, it’s in your best interest to review this document and make the necessary changes or completely revoke and rewrite your will.
In addition to changing the terms and conditions of your will, you should also update your healthcare proxy document. Many people choose to leave their spouse in charge of making healthcare decisions for them in the event they become incapacitated or unable to advocate for themselves. As such, changing who your proxy is can give you peace of mind that your ex-spouse will not be left in charge of making your medical decisions.
Finally, you may want to consider the benefits of establishing a trust to help provide financial support for minor children. This can provide the funds directly to your children, preventing your ex-spouse from handling the funds intended for your children.
How Can a Divorce Attorney Assist Me?
When going through a divorce, it’s in your best interest to connect with an attorney as soon as possible. Unfortunately, you’ll find that divorce has many elements that must be taken into consideration, and trying to handle it all on your own is overwhelming. As such, you may make costly errors that can impact you for years following the finalization of your divorce.
Having an attorney to guide you through the divorce process is critical to protecting yourself and your assets during these times. Because you have so much to consider, working with the Zitser family law group can help ensure your divorce is in good hands. Our team can help represent you during these times while providing advice about which changes you must make to your estate plans to ensure your new wishes are reflected and honored. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you during these complex legal matters.