Can I change my will or trust later?

Yes. Wills and revocable trusts can be updated. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, having children, or changes in finances often require updates.

What happens if I die without a will or trust?

State law will decide how your assets are distributed. This process may not reflect your wishes and can lead to delays or family disputes.

Do I really need an attorney for estate planning?

While do-it-yourself forms exist, they often miss important legal details. An attorney helps ensure your plan is valid, clear, and properly structured.

How often should I review my estate plan?

It is best to review your estate plan every three to five years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Can a trust help avoid court delays?

Yes. A properly funded trust usually avoids probate, allowing assets to pass to beneficiaries without lengthy court involvement.

Wills and Trusts Services | Erica R.S. Hunt, LLC

Avoid Legal Confusion With a Trusted Trusts and Wills Attorney

Planning your estate can feel confusing. There are lots of rules, forms, and decisions to make. But it doesn’t have to be stressful.

A skilled attorney can make the process simple and clear. With a professional helping you, your wishes will be followed, and your family will be protected.

Hiring a trusted expert in trusts and wills ensures you don’t leave anything to chance and avoid problems down the road.

Wills and Trusts

What Are Trusts and Wills?

Many people mix up trusts and wills. Here’s the difference:

A will is a legal paper that says who gets your stuff after you pass away. It can name guardians for kids and give instructions for personal items.
A trust is a legal setup where someone manages your assets for your family or other beneficiaries. It can help avoid court delays and protect your money.

Both are important tools. Together, they make sure your wishes are followed and your loved ones are taken care of.

Some reasons you need trusts and wills include:

Keeping money and property safe for your kids or family
Making sure someone manages your affairs if you can’t
Avoiding fights between family members
Reducing court costs and delays

Why You Need a Trusts and Wills Attorney?

Estate planning can be tricky. Laws change, and mistakes can be costly. A good attorney helps you make smart decisions. They explain legal terms in plain English. They also make sure your documents are valid and enforceable.

A trusts and wills attorney can:

Draft and review wills and trusts
Explain tax rules and how to protect assets
Update documents after life changes like marriage, divorce, or inheritance
Help guide your family through probate if needed
Answer questions and provide peace of mind

Working with an attorney means fewer surprises. You get guidance, clarity, and protection.

Common Problems in Estate Planning

Even simple plans can run into problems. Knowing common issues can help you avoid them:

Outdated papers – Life changes, like a new baby or a move, can make old documents useless.
Wrong beneficiaries – A misspelled name or forgotten account can cause disputes.
Trust not funded – A trust only works if assets are properly moved into it.
DIY mistakes – Online templates may not follow state laws or suit your situation.

A professional attorney helps fix these issues before they become problems.

Steps to Make Your Estate Plan

Here’s what to expect when working with an attorney:

Initial Chat – Talk about your family, finances, and what you want.
Document Drafting – Create trusts and wills that match your wishes.
Asset Check – List all your property, bank accounts, and valuables.
Execution – Sign the papers properly and fund your trust if needed.
Updates – Revisit your plan when life changes, like marriage or a new child.

Following these steps makes your plan solid and prevents confusion later.

Benefits of Working With an Expert

Hiring an experienced attorney gives more than just paperwork. You also get:

Legal knowledge – They know federal and state laws.
Fewer family fights – Clear instructions prevent disagreements.
Faster probate – Courts spend less time if documents are correct.
Peace of mind – Confidence that your wishes will be honored.

Attorney Erica R.S. Hunt brings over 30 years of experience. She knows estate planning inside and out. Families in Maryland and the Washington area can trust her to guide them every step of the way.

Conclusion

Creating wills and trusts protects your family and ensures your wishes are followed. Mistakes or missing steps can cause confusion and stress.

With the Law Office of Erica R.S. Hunt, LLC, you get expert guidance and clear answers. A professional attorney makes sure your estate plan works for you and your loved ones.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward peace of mind.

FAQs

Q – Can I change my will or trust later?
A – Yes. Life changes like marriage, divorce, or kids mean updates are important.
Q – What if I die without a will or trust?
A – State laws decide who gets your stuff. It may not match your wishes and could cause fights.
Q – Do I really need an attorney?
A – DIY forms exist, but they often miss details. An attorney makes sure everything is legal and clear.
Q – How often should I review my plan?
A – Every 3–5 years or after big life changes is best.
Q – Can a trust help avoid court delays?
A – Yes. Properly funded trusts usually skip the probate process.