If a couple in Massachusetts files for divorce, they would do well to remember to update their wills or any other estate plans that they may have. Estate planning can take time, and some divorcing couples may be concerned with what may happen if they are incapacitated during the divorce process. Updating these plans as soon as possible can help each individual to maintain control over his or her assets and ensure that he or she has a trusted individual in place to make financial or health care decisions if needed.
Discovering what can and cannot be changed in an estate plan is, for many, a good place to start. From there, many may choose to update their wills. This might include deciding whether or not to include the ex-spouse as a beneficiary. It might also include amending trusts or other documents.
Many people list their spouses as their health care proxies or have appointed their spouses as their power of attorney. However, after a divorce, some people may worry about their ex-spouses having control over their assets or health care decisions. Others may simply find it difficult or awkward to have their ex-spouses make important decisions for them rather than another individual.
Many divorcing couples may forget that there are still many things to do after or even before the divorce is final. Massachusetts residents who have questions concerning estate planning could benefit from speaking with an attorney in their area. An attorney would be able to help his or her clients to alter existing estate plans or create new ones to include new family members or exclude others.