Inheritance planning errors are something that your family shouldn’t have to deal with following your passing. Passing along property, money, or other items as part of an inheritance should be an easy process for those you are leaving behind.
Planning for inheritances is a crucial aspect of financial management which involves the preparation for the transfer of assets following your death. It is a process that requires careful consideration and attention to detail to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of when you are no longer around. However, despite the importance of estate planning, many people make mistakes that can have significant consequences for their beneficiaries. In this post, we will discuss six common inheritance planning mistakes and how to avoid them.
Total Inaction
One of the most common inheritance planning mistakes is failing to plan at all. Many people assume that they do not need an estate plan because they do not have significant assets or because they believe their family will take care of everything after they die. However, this assumption can be dangerous as it leaves your assets vulnerable to probate court and may result in your beneficiaries receiving less than what you intended.
No Updates
Another mistake people make is not updating their estate plan regularly. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth or death in the family, changes in financial circumstances, or moving to another state can all affect your estate plan. Failing to update your plan accordingly could lead to unintended consequences such as leaving out new beneficiaries or leaving assets to someone who should no longer receive them.
Incomplete Understanding
Another common mistake is not having a clear understanding of how different types of assets are treated under the law. For example, retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs have specific rules governing how they are distributed after death. If these rules are not followed correctly, it could result in unnecessary taxes or penalties for your beneficiaries.
Failing to name a guardian for minor children is also a critical mistake many parents make when creating an estate plan. If something were to happen to both parents without naming a guardian in their wills or trusts, then the court would decide who would raise their children instead of the parents’ wishes being carried out.
Failure to Consider Long-Term Care Costs
Not considering long-term care costs is another error people often make when creating an estate plan. Long-term care can be expensive, and without proper planning, it could quickly deplete your assets. Including provisions for long-term care in your estate plan can help ensure that you have the resources necessary to pay for it while still leaving something for your beneficiaries.
This will typically involve the development of a plan that will facilitate Medicaid eligibility. Medicaid will cover nursing home care, but Medicare does not.
Estate Taxes
Inheritance planning errors can also consist of not considering the tax implications of your estate plan. Depending on the size of your estate, you may be subject to federal or state estate taxes. Failing to consider these taxes when creating an estate plan could result in a significant portion of your assets going towards paying taxes instead of being passed down to your beneficiaries.
Lack of Communication
Finally, failing to communicate with family members about your estate plan is another common mistake people make. It is essential to discuss your wishes with family members so that they understand what you want and why. This communication can help prevent misunderstandings or disputes among family members after you are gone.
Inheritance Planning Errors: Avoiding Them Altogether
Creating an estate plan is a crucial aspect of financial management that should not be taken lightly. Failing to create an estate plan or making mistakes when creating one can have significant consequences for your loved ones after you are gone.
To avoid these inheritance planning errors, it is essential to work with our Manhattan, New York inheritance planning attorney S.J. Khalsa, who understands the intricacies of estate planning and can help guide you through the process. You can view our on-demand webinar to learn more about the steps you can take to preserve your legacy.
While he was in law school, he worked as an aide to the late John Sparkman, Senior Senator from Alabama. This gave him the opportunity to gain intimate knowledge of the workings of government, and this background has served him well.
He started his private practice in New York in 1974, the first Sikh to be admitted to the bar in the state of New York.And in 1995, when he narrowed his legal focus to the areas of estate planning and elder law, the prestigious American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys accepted him into their membership.
Special needs planning is an important aspect of the field, and Mr. Khalsa has intertwined his empathy with his expertise to become a leading advocate in this area. Shortly after the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was enacted in 1975, he won the first case in New York that was adjudicated under this law.
S.J. Khalsa has a penchant for philanthropy, and he has raised well over $20 million for charities nationwide. He is a deeply spiritual man who represents the Sikh religion at religious and interfaith gatherings all over the globe.
He believes that successful professionals should contribute to the fabric of their communities, and to this end, he works with law enforcement in New York.
Mr. Khalsa is a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy program, and he is active in their Alumni Association. He is a member of the FBI/New York Police Department Joint Task Forces on Civil Rights and Hate Crimes, and he sits on the Community Engagement Council that advises the FBI Assistant Director for New York.
He is the author of the highly acclaimed book, Estate Planning Essentials: A Guidebook for Modern Families. Lawyers of Distinction recognized him for his excellence in 2020, naming him a 2020 Power Lawyer, and he is a member of the prestigious American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.
Mr. Khalsa lives in Manhattan with his wife, and he has two grown children and four grandchildren. He likes to travel, and he is an avid golfer. As the co-owner of Kundalini Yoga East in New York along with his wife, he instructs practitioners and aspiring yoga teachers.
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