I was like the plumber with a clogged sink at home. I had no will or estate plan in place, yet I was an attorney. Similarly, many people fail to plan for death, and for no good reason. No one lives forever. What’s your reason for putting it off? “I don’t want to think about death.” “I hate funerals, especially contemplating my own!”
“I don’t want to think about death. I hate funerals, especially contemplating about my own!”
Common sense would lead one to believe that the current pandemic would have nudged most people into creating a will or estate plan. WRONG! Statistics show the actual number is closer to three out of ten. Further, despite that this may be the most important document they’ve created in their life, many of them use an online form or legal service.
Years ago, when my grandfather died, he did not have a will, and the federal government took 70% of his estate. Grandpa Mac was a smart businessman and farmer. He’d accumulated a substantial amount of land in his lifetime of sweat-filled days and livestock-filled barns. It was sad to see his hard earned money taken by the IRS because he failed to take time to plan. You can prevent this from being a possibility in your life by planning.
“Years ago, when my grandfather died, he did not have a will, and the federal government took 70% of his estate.”
If you are unsure about where to begin, give us a call. We’ll be happy to arrange time to provide you with the basics and answer questions about estate planning. The cost of an estate plan can vary, but it will bring your loved ones peace of mind, and you as well.
Shane T. Johnson is the CEO and Managing Partner of Johnson Legal, an estate planning and business law firm in Wilmington, NC. With years of experience in estate and business law, he has zealously represented clients in various legal matters, including small business formation and purchasing, estate planning, probate, domestic violence, and other legal cases.
Shane received his Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming and is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for her work, including being named among the Best Probate Lawyers in Wilmington by Expertise.com.
