A: Not at all. While many people think estate planning is only about deciding who inherits their assets, it’s also about protecting you during your lifetime. A comprehensive estate plan can name someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated, appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, and clearly communicate your wishes for medical treatment. In other words, estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone—it’s also about ensuring your affairs are handled according to your wishes if you’re ever unable to make decisions for yourself. Without the proper planning in place, your loved ones may need to ask the court to appoint someone to manage your financial or personal affairs, a process that can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally difficult.
