Keith Magness Discusses Essential Questions for Estate Planning
Forbes recently highlighted an article detailing uncomfortable questions that must be asked during the estate planning process. Keith Magness, attorney, agrees that these questions raise important considerations that should be made.
Online, September 24, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Estate planning is an activity that legal representatives urge their clients to complete, but that is, nonetheless, seen as morbid and uncomfortable by the general public. Although it is true that planning for one's death is a difficult topic to consider, it is also true that proper estate planning can allow an individual to assert their wishes before family members must make decisions regarding end of life care or the distribution of assets after death. Forbes has published an article that considers several questions that should be raised during the estate planning process, and Keith Magness, an attorney, agrees that, difficult as they may be, these questions are important to proper planning of one's estate.
Some of the questions raised in the article pertain to who will raise children if both parents are deceased, important relationships, preserved genetic materials, who will be responsible for pets in the case of death, and when to forgo life support. Additionally, the article asserts that a log of passwords, user names, and security questions is important to leave behind. Likewise, health information, property and prenuptial agreements, and whether or not individuals have made large gifts to family members or organizations are also critical pieces of information.
While many of these questions may not have an obvious link to the planning of an individual's estate, they are important in both creating estate plans and ensuring that they are, legally, in line with regulations (such as taxes). Keith Magness believes that the act of planning one's estate is not only a way to ensure that their own wishes are upheld, it is a gift to loved ones who, without these directions, would have to make major decisions on their own before they have even had the time to grieve.
"While estate planning and its related issues may be more painful than a root canal, as the author of this article asserts," states Keith Magness, "taking the time today to consider this issue before you become impaired or before a loved one is faced with making end of life decisions for you will help you make sure that your final wishes are honored while also minimizing family discord."
Keith Magness encourages individuals to plan their estates in an effort to protect their wishes and alleviate the stress that their family members will encounter.
ABOUT:
Keith Magness is a Louisiana-based attorney. Founder of the Law Office of Keith L. Magness, LLC, he provides legal guidance in several practice areas, including family law, estate planning, automotive accidents, contract disputes, and criminal defense. Before becoming a lawyer, Keith Magness was a Military Police Officer in the United Sates Marine Corps Reserve based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He continues to uphold the laws of the United States through his work within the justice system.
For more information about Keith Magness and his practice, visit www.magnesslaw.com.