National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 17-23

October 17-23, 2023 is National Estate Planning Week and Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman is reminding the public that the week is a perfect time to start thinking about their own estate plans.

“Estate planning is the process of arranging in writing who will receive your assets when you die,” Getman explained. “It can also provide clear end-of-life directives should you become incapacitated before ultimately passing away.”

“Common, and important, documents may include a Last Will and Testament, a Power of Attorney, a Health Care Proxy and a Living Will.”

Unfortunately, Getman said, many people fail to establish an estate plan, even those who would benefit from it.

“It’s estimated that over half of Americans do not have an up-to-date estate plan,” Getman said. “This creates hardship, both financial and emotional, for your loved ones.”

“For example, when you don’t have a Will, the court process — known as intestate administration — can get especially complicated. The court has to name an administrator to oversee your estate. And this can be time-consuming, expensive, and even contentious for your family members.”

“Having a plan helps make sure your money and property go to those you intended, not to others, or even the government, when you pass away,” Getman noted.

“It can also minimize taxes so that your loved ones can keep more of your property.”

“Even if you have a plan, it’s a good idea to review it from time to time,” Getman said. “Changes in the law, family, business and other life circumstances can have sweeping effects on your plan. This week is a perfect time to look over your existing plan to best protect you and your family.”

According to Getman, anyone looking for a local estate planning lawyer may be able to obtain assistance by calling the New York State Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 1-800-342-3661 or visiting them online at www.findalawyernys.org.

National Estate Planning Awareness Week was established by Congress in 2008 to help consumers understand estate planning and its importance, along with how best to create a qualified team of professionals to assist in the estate planning process.

The Schuyler County Attorney is the chief legal advisor for county government and responsible for the prosecution and defense of civil actions brought by and against the county, including estate claims, adult protective cases and tax matters. Among the agencies the office represents are the County Treasurer, Office for the Aging and Department of Social Services.