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If you’re a young parent, estate planning probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list. Between raising kids, managing work, and handling everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to put off legal planning for “someday.”
But here’s the truth: young families often need estate plans more than anyone else. Without one, you’re leaving major decisions—about your children, your finances, and your future—in the hands of the state.
Here’s why estate planning matters now, not later.
1. Naming a Guardian for Your Children
What happens to your kids if something happens to you?
If you die or become incapacitated without a will that names a legal guardian, a Georgia court will make that decision for you. Even if family members step in, the court—not you—has the final say.
A clear estate plan:
- Lets you name your preferred guardian
- Avoids court battles among relatives
- Ensures your kids are raised by someone who shares your values
2. Managing Inheritance for Minors
Children under 18 can’t legally own property or manage money. Without a trust in place, any inheritance they receive will likely be:
- Controlled by a court-appointed guardian
- Released to them in full at age 18—whether they’re ready or not
A properly structured trust allows you to:
- Control how and when your children receive money
- Appoint someone you trust to manage the funds
- Use the money for their education, housing, or health needs
3. Planning for Incapacity
Estate planning isn’t just about death. If you become seriously ill or injured, someone will need to:
- Access your bank accounts
- Pay your bills
- Make medical decisions on your behalf
With a durable power of attorney and an advance directive for health care, you stay in control—because you choose who acts for you. Without those documents, your family may have to go to court to gain decision-making authority.
4. Avoiding Probate and Legal Delays
Probate is a public, court-supervised process that can delay the transfer of assets and increase costs for your family. If your goal is to keep things simple for your spouse and kids, your estate plan should include tools to avoid or streamline probate, such as:
- A revocable living trust
- Updated beneficiary designations
- Properly titled real estate and bank accounts
5. Protecting Your Spouse and Building Wealth
An estate plan can:
- Ensure your spouse has immediate access to assets
- Avoid delays in paying bills, covering childcare, or managing your estate
- Protect your growing wealth from unnecessary taxes, legal fees, or creditors
It’s not about how much you have—it’s about making sure it’s used the right way if you’re not here to manage it.
6. Peace of Mind for the People You Love Most
Estate planning is one of the most thoughtful, responsible decisions you can make as a parent. It doesn’t mean expecting the worst—it means being prepared, just like carrying insurance or creating an emergency plan.
Let Hurban Law Help You Protect What Matters
At Hurban Law, LLC, we help young families in Georgia create simple, affordable, and effective estate plans. Whether you’re just starting out or growing your family, we’ll make sure your plan covers what’s most important: your children, your spouse, and your peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building your family’s legal foundation.
