Keys to Enjoying Your Retirement | San Jose Estate Planning Attorneys

When most of us think about retirement, we imagine spending our days leisurely doing the things we never had time for when we were working and raising a family.

Unfortunately, what are supposed to be considered the “golden years” are often filled with stress, health issues, and financial problems. In fact, the latter two are often related when you consider how unexpected illness can quickly drain your bank accounts.

Obviously, we can’t possibly know our future other than the possibility of acquiring certain illnesses based on genetic backgrounds. But, rather than leaving it to chance, the best approach to get the most out of your retirement years is to be prepared.

Most of what you need to do can be taken care of with the help of an estate planning attorney. Although some people are under the impression that things like planning an estate or creating a trust are for those with a lot of money and property, this is completely untrue. 

An estate planning attorney can assist you with creating basic but essential documents, including healthcare directives and a power of attorney which everyone, regardless of financial status, should have. Beyond these important documents, they can also review your plans for financing your retirement and make sure your assets stay protected no matter what happens using living trusts.

Another misconception about estate planning is that it’s all about preparing for what happens after you die when, in fact, it’s also about making plans for how you’re going to live. As difficult as it is to think about, you need to have a plan in place in case you become incapacitated in any way, whether it’s physically or mentally. This should include information about who you want making medical decisions on your behalf, what kind of care you want to have, and how the expenses for your care will be covered. You also need to make sure that you have a designated person or people who can have immediate access to your medical and financial records.

Without basic estate planning documents, decisions about your finances, healthcare, and your future could end up in the hands of the court. Your loved ones will have very little control when it comes to making sure your wishes are being carried out. Instead, it will all be left up to a judge who wouldn’t have the first clue about what you might want. Plus, the process of going through the court system in this way can be a lengthy and expensive journey.

The good news is that putting together a retirement plan with the help of an estate planning attorney can give you and your loved ones the peace of mind you deserve. Being prepared for the possibility that you may end up needing more medical care than you expected can ease some of the worry that hangs over us as we get older. Knowing that you’ve got your proverbial ducks in a row will give you the chance to relax and enjoy your golden years. If you need help getting started, simply call our San Jose law firm at (800) 244-8814 to schedule an appointment.

If you have any further questions about estate planning and strategies to shield your wealth, or if you’d like to have your current asset protection plan reviewed to make sure it still meets your needs, please contact us at one of our offices located throughout the state of California 800-244-8814 to set up a consultation.