• 75% of Americans find estate planning confusing; expert shares simple steps to get started

• Personalized guidance from lawyers aims to boost confidence in securing family futures

• Debunking the myth: Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy, it's for everyone

In an era where financial security is paramount, a staggering 75% of American adults find estate planning confusing, potentially leaving their families' futures at risk. To help Americans get started, LegalShield shares five key tips from an experienced estate planning lawyer.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240822001161/en/

LegalShield shares five key tips from an experienced estate planning lawyer to help people start planning for their future. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Estate planning, which includes writing a will, is like creating a roadmap for your family's future,” said Mike Fiffik, estate planning lawyer with Fiffik Law Group, PC, a LegalShield provider law firm. “We guide our clients through each step, ensuring they make informed decisions about their legacy with confidence and clarity.”

Fiffik’s tips aim to simplify the process and make estate planning more accessible to all Americans, regardless of their financial status. His tips include:

1. Start with a clear vision of your goals: “Many clients come in overwhelmed by the details, but I always advise them to step back and consider their big-picture goals first,” said Fiffik. “This clarity helps guide all subsequent decisions in the estate planning process.”

2. Focus on your objectives, not the legal details: "You don't need to be a legal expert to create an effective estate plan," said Fiffik. "Our job as attorneys is to translate your objectives into the appropriate legal framework. Your job is to decide what you want for your family's future."

3. Prepare a simple list of assets: "A comprehensive asset list doesn't have to be complex," Fiffik noted. "Even a basic inventory can significantly streamline the planning process and ensure nothing important is overlooked."

4. Consider your own potential future needs: “Estate planning isn't just about what happens after you're gone,” Fiffik emphasized. “It's crucial to consider scenarios where you might need someone to manage your affairs while you're still alive. This foresight can prevent significant stress for your loved ones.”

5. Work with the right professionals: “Estate planning laws vary by state and change frequently,” Fiffik cautioned. “Working with an experienced estate planning lawyer ensures your plan is not only personalized but also legally sound and up-to-date.”

Debunking a common misconception, Fiffik emphasizes that estate planning is not exclusive to the wealthy. “It's crucial for everyone, especially those with modest means,” he said. “The cost of fixing problems that arise with no plan at all can devour what you leave behind to your loved ones.”

LegalShield's network of law firms, which handles more than 50,000 estate planning matters annually, offers a range of services from online tools to in-person meetings. This approach provides members with access to experienced lawyers who deliver personalized estate planning solutions for diverse family situations.

"Our goal is to ensure everyone can access quality legal guidance tailored to their unique needs,” said Warren Schlichting, LegalShield CEO. “With LegalShield, comprehensive estate planning is an essential service available to all.”

About LegalShield:

For more than 50 years, LegalShield has provided everyday Americans with easy and affordable access to legal advice, counsel, protection, and representation. Serving millions, LegalShield is one of the world's largest platforms for legal, identity, and reputation management services protecting individuals and businesses across North America. Founded in 1972, LegalShield, and its privacy management product, IDShield, has provided individuals, families, businesses, and employers with tools and services needed to affordably live a just and secure life. Through technology and innovation, LegalShield is disrupting the traditional legal system and transforming how and where people receive legal guidance and services, with access to thousands of qualified, trusted attorneys and law firms. LegalShield and IDShield are products of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. To learn more about LegalShield and IDShield, visit LegalShield.com and IDShield.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240822001161/en/