estate planning steps

No one wants to think about what will become of their assets and belongings when they’re gone, but estate planning can preserve your legacy and care for your family. Unfortunately, some people make the mistake of thinking only the uber-wealthy need estate planning. The truth is that anyone who has any financial assets, owns a home, or has a family that relies on them should make plans for when they’re gone. If you’ve been dragging your feet about estate planning, 2022 should be the year to get it done. These three steps can get you started.

Step #1: Take Inventory

The first step to estate planning is to take inventory of not just your investments but all of your assets, both tangible and intangible. What this means is taking stock of everything from property and real estate to cars and other vehicles, collecting all of the information on your savings accounts, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies, and determining the estimated value of each of them.

Step #2: Determine Your Family’s Needs, Now and Later

The best way to protect your family when you’re gone is by understanding their needs. There are considerations such as whether you’re married, have children and how many, what lifestyle they’re accustomed to and would like to maintain, and whether you have life insurance. All of these will factor into how you take care of your family with your planning. 

Step #3: Hire an Estate Planning Professional

One of the most important steps in estate planning is finding a professional who can help you through the process. Understanding the complexities of planning along with taxes and laws relating to estate planning in each state is critical to making sure your wishes get carried out as you want them to be. Contact McCutchen McLean, LLC for a knowledgeable and experienced guide through the process.

Reviews

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James McCutchen drafted our estate planning documents and he did a fantastic job. The entire process was easy and affordable. I highly recommend James for any of your estate planning or probate needs.

Angela

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James McCutchen helped me with my business contract for my new business venture. He was able to offer helpful and informative suggestions and recommendations for my contract. It is reassuring to have someone like James look over my contract to know that I will be covered. His service was outstanding and I highly recommend him for your legal needs!!

Travis

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I recently had a tax issue with the IRS. I called McCutchen McClean law firm and they were able to fit me in quickly. They sat down with me, reviewed all the documents, listened to my concerns, and gave me wonderful advice as to how to fix the issue. They were friendly and understanding. Now, my tax issue is resolved, taking a HUGE weight off my mind. I would recommend them for any tax issue you may have! The service, hospitality, knowledge, and professionalism was outstanding!

Alasen

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We recently used James McCutchen and we could not be any happier! He was very kind, thorough when answering all of our questions and the best part of all we got everything completed pretty quickly. We highly recommend James. Thanks again for everything!

Abby

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I have referred several clients to them. My clients are very happy with the outstanding, timely service they receive. James and Robin are extremely smart and professional, yet speak in "plain english" so everyone walks away educated regarding their tax, estate or family law issue.

Gayle

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Smart people that do great work.

Charles

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I used Robin McLean as an attorney to secure a divorce about 20 months ago. I found her to be efficient, reasonably priced, and very well skilled. I was completely happy with her work. She did what she said. Since that time, I needed additional help with paperwork and she responded promptly and to my complete satisfaction. I highly recommend Robin as an attorney.

Howard

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