If you're finally thinking about planning your estate, you're on the right track. Too many Americans make the mistake of not planning their estate, which can create problems for their heirs upon their passing. When you hire a local estate attorney, they can help you simplify the process in many ways. Here are some ways you can make estate planning easier.

1. List Your Assets

Start by listing out all of your assets. Your assets may include finances, physical property, and other valuable items you want to see in the hands of your loved ones. If you have any particularly valuable jewelry or art, you should consider calling an appraiser to evaluate each piece. Don't forget to list investments and retirement accounts you'd want to pass down to someone.

Do you know who you want to leave your estate to? Whether it's one person, a series of heirs, or a charity, your estate planning involves listing all of them out. Include those beneficiaries along with your assets to make your consultation as seamless as possible.

2. Meet With a Legal Professional

You don't have to do all the planning on your own. Roughly 74% of Americans put off estate planning because they find it confusing, according to a report by Legal Zoom. If you feel similarly, you should call your local estate attorney to learn more about the process. They can assess your situation and advise you on the best ways to protect your assets. At Latham Moffatt, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we have more than 75 years of experience delivering trial and litigation services with a personal touch.

3. Set up a Will or Trust

Your will is a legal document that lists all of your assets and the beneficiaries they'll go to. As you might have guessed, problems can occur if your will isn't valid. By seeking legal counsel to create your will, you can ensure the document you make is legally binding. For further protection, you may want to consider a trust, which both protects your assets and has better tax savings and protections.

If you've been working hard, it's natural that you'd want assurance that your home and investments go to those you love. Reduce the possibility of assets being held up in probate by hiring the right estate attorney. Contact Latham Moffatt, P.C. Attorneys at Law today to learn more about how we can work.