When you go through a divorce, there are a number of legal documents that need to be updated or changed altogether once your marriage is dissolved. You have to look out for your remaining interests received from the Dissolution and those of your children, particularly in your estate planning. And if there are children in the mix, it’s vitally important that you take care of these matters as soon as possible once the divorce is finalized.
In a marriage, the typical thought process on estate planning is that one of the marriage partners will die before the other. Once a divorce takes place however and you become an unmarried parent, you need to line up people to assist you in the execution of your estate plan.
Here is a suggested list of people you will want to utilize in your estate planning once your divorce is final:
An attorney.
Although you can purchase self-service wills and estate-planning documents post-divorce, it is always suggested you have your legal documents professionally reviewed, if not completed all together by an Attorney.
A Trustee and a back-up Trustee.
As you set-up your estate planning paperwork as an unmarried parent, you will need to appoint someone (along with a back-up) to execute your trust in the case of your untimely death. We recommend that you choose a family member you can rely on, such as a financially responsible brother or sister who understands your desires for your estate money upon your death. If you don’t have any siblings, then you might consider your parents or a trusted friend to assist you.
Family.
You should inform your immediate family of your desires concerning your estate and who you have appointed to be your Trustee and back-up Trustee.
Don’t Delay
There are no guarantees in life, so whether you’re still happily married or you’re an unmarried parent, don’t delay. Get your personal affairs in order for the sake of your children as well as your immediate family.
For a consultation regarding your Estate Planning or Divorce please contact The Law Office of Steven B. Chroman at 661-255-1800 or www.chromanlaw.com.
This article was originally published in Santa Clarita Magazine as part of our firm’s mission to make family law information more accessible to the Santa Clarita community. Read the full feature and others at santaclaritamagazine.com.