A will or trust contest can frustrate your final wishes and objectives, rapidly deplete your estate, and tear your loved ones apart. With proper planning, however, you can help your family avoid a potentially devastating will or trust contest.
If you are concerned about challenges to your estate plan, here are 4 tips for avoiding a will or trust contest for you to consider:
1. Do not attempt “do it yourself” solutions.
If you are concerned about an heir or beneficiary contesting your estate plan, the last thing you want to do is attempt to write or update your will or trust on your own. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you construct and maintain an estate plan that will discourage lawsuits.
2. Let family members know about your plan.
When it comes to estate planning, secrecy breeds contempt. While you don’t need to let your family members know all the intricate details of your estate plan, you should let them know that you have taken the time to create a plan that spells out your final wishes and who they should contact if you become incapacitated or die.
3. Use discretionary trusts for problem beneficiaries.
You might think that you need to completely disinherit a beneficiary because of concerns that a potential beneficiary will squander their inheritance or use it in a manner against your beliefs. However, there are options other than completely disinheriting someone. For example, you could require that the problem beneficiary’s share be held in a lifetime discretionary trust and name a third party, such as a bank or trust company, as trustee. This will insure that the beneficiary will only be entitled to receive trust distributions under terms and conditions you have dictated. You will also be able to control who will inherit the balance of the trust if the beneficiary dies before the funds are completely distributed.
4. Keep your estate plan up to date.
Estate planning is not a one-time transaction – it is an ongoing process. Therefore, as your circumstances change, you should update your estate plan. An up to date estate plan shows that you have taken the time to review and revise your plan as your family or financial situations change. This, in turn, will discourage challenges because your plan will encompass your current estate planning goals.
By following these four tips for avoiding a will or trust contest, your heirs and beneficiaries will be less likely to challenge your estate planning decisions and will be more inclined to fulfill your final wishes. If you are concerned about heirs contesting your will or trust, you should seek the professional advice of an attorney now. Contact our office today at (952) 658-6503 if you have questions about ensuring that your estate plan is less susceptible to challenges.
