Legacy & Estate Planning

Serving North Carolina
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How to Start Estate Planning in 2025: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting your estate planning journey in 2025 is one of the most empowering steps you can take to secure your future and protect your loved ones. At Delaney Law, we understand that the process can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance and tools, it becomes straightforward and manageable. Our goal is to simplify estate planning and give you peace of mind with a comprehensive, personalized approach.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves creating a set of legal documents that outline your wishes regarding the management of your assets, healthcare decisions, and guardianship arrangements in case of incapacity or death. It includes essentials such as:

  • Wills: Directs how your assets will be distributed.
  • Trusts: Helps manage your assets and avoid probate.
  • Powers of Attorney: Appoints someone to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf.
  • Advanced Directives: Ensures your medical preferences are respected.

First Steps to Start Estate Planning

If you’re new to estate planning, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

  1. Take Inventory of Your Assets
    • List all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and digital accounts (e.g., social media, online banking).
    • Don’t forget to account for debts or liabilities.
  2. Define Your Goals
    • Decide how you want your assets distributed.
    • Consider guardianship preferences for minor children.
    • Outline your healthcare and end-of-life wishes.
  3. Gather Key Information
    • Full legal names and contact information for family members and potential beneficiaries.
    • Details of property deeds, insurance policies, and retirement accounts.
    • Information about outstanding loans or debts.
  4. Understand the Basics of Estate Planning Documents
    • Research what documents you’ll need (wills, trusts, healthcare directives, etc.) or consult an attorney to guide you through the process.

How Delaney Law Makes It Simple

At Delaney Law, we’ve designed a streamlined process that breaks estate planning into manageable steps. Our custom Estate Planning Roadmap is a tool that helps clients stay organized and clearly understand the process from start to finish.

Our Estate Planning Process

  1. Initial Planning Session: A complimentary educational meeting to understand your needs and goals. We explain the basics of estate planning and answer all your questions.
  2. Custom Roadmap: We provide a personalized Estate Planning Roadmap to outline the specific steps you need to take, including the documents required, important deadlines, and additional resources to help you stay on track.
  3. Design Meeting: In this session, we work together to finalize the details of your estate plan, ensuring it aligns with your goals and wishes.
  4. Signing Meeting: An in-person meeting where we review and execute your documents with all the necessary legal formalities.
  5. Binder Delivery Meeting: We provide you with a comprehensive estate planning binder containing all your documents, organized for easy reference. We also review your Roadmap to ensure you’re prepared for future updates.

Why Choose Delaney Law?

  • Personalized Approach: We tailor every estate plan to meet your unique needs and circumstances.
  • Education First: We believe informed clients make the best decisions. Our sessions are designed to empower you with knowledge.
  • Ongoing Support: Estate planning isn’t a one-time event. We guide you through regular reviews and updates to keep your plan current as your life evolves.

Benefits of Starting Estate Planning Now

  • Peace of Mind: Knowing your loved ones are protected and your wishes will be honored.
  • Avoid Legal Complications: Reduce the risk of disputes or delays in distributing your assets.
  • Financial Security: Ensure your family’s financial stability and minimize tax implications.

Take the First Step Today

Estate planning is an act of love and responsibility for your family. With Delaney Law’s compassionate guidance and our custom Estate Planning Roadmap, the process becomes clear and manageable. Start 2025 with a plan that ensures your peace of mind and protects your legacy.

Contact Delaney Law today to schedule your initial planning session and begin your estate planning journey. Let’s secure your future together.

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