Why You Shouldn’t Delay Creating Your Estate Planning Documents
- joeyd7715
- May 30
- 4 min read
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to put off tasks like estate planning. Many people assume they have plenty of time to create wills, trusts, or powers of attorney documents. However, delaying these critical documents can leave your family vulnerable and your wishes unfulfilled. As a trusted estate planning attorney in Solon, Iowa, we’ve seen the consequences of procrastination. Here’s why you should act now to secure your legacy with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney in the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids area.
The Risks of Waiting to Plan
Estate planning isn’t just for the elderly or wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants control over their assets, healthcare decisions, and family’s future. Without proper documents, you risk:
Intestate Succession: If you pass away without a Last Will and Testament in Iowa, state laws dictate how your assets are distributed. This may not align with your wishes, potentially leaving loved ones with less or sparking disputes. An experienced estate planning attorney in the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids area can help you avoid this by drafting a Last Will and Testament that is clear, comprehensive, and meets the state specific requirements to make it effective.
Family Conflict: Unclear intentions can lead to disagreements among heirs. A well-crafted estate plan, created with an experienced estate planning attorney in the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids area, ensures your assets are distributed as intended, reducing the chance of conflict and costly legal battles.
Unexpected Incapacity: Illness or injury can strike at any age. Without a power of attorney or healthcare directive, your family may struggle to make decisions on your behalf. Deeney Law Firm, PLC can create these documents to protect you.
Probate Delays and Costs: Choosing the option of establishing a revocable living trust will help avoid probate, a time-consuming and expensive process. Deeney Law Firm, PLC can guide you in setting up a living trust to bypass probate, saving your family time and money.
Why Now Is the Right Time
“I’ll do it later” is a common refrain, but life is unpredictable. Here are compelling reasons to contact an experienced estate planning attorney in the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids area today:
Changing Laws: Iowa’s estate and tax laws evolve, affecting how assets are transferred. We stay updated on these changes, ensuring your plan remains compliant and effective.
Life Events: Marriage, divorce, childbirth, or a new home can shift your priorities. Updating or creating your estate plan to reflect your current circumstances is critical.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your wishes are documented provides relief for you and your family. Whether you’re in Johnson County, Linn County or Cedar County, Deeney Law Firm, PLC can tailor a plan to your needs.
Avoiding Urgency: Rushed decisions during a health crisis often lead to unintended consequences. Proactive planning with an experienced estate planning attorney in the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids area allows thoughtful choices.
Key Estate Planning Documents to Prioritize
Don’t know where to start? Deeney Law Firm, PLC can help you create these essential documents:
Last Will and Testament: Specifies how your assets are distributed and names guardian(s) for minor children.
Revocable Living Trust: Designed to avoid probate and provides flexibility for managing assets during your lifetime and beyond.
Financial Power of Attorney: Designates an individual to handle financial or legal matters if you’re incapacitated.
Healthcare Power of Attorney: Outlines your medical preferences and appoints a healthcare agent to make medical decisions if you’re unable to make decisions.
Beneficiary Designations: Reviewing and updating beneficiary designations to ensure consistency with your estate planning documents is critical.
Each document plays a vital role, and delaying even one can create gaps in your plan. An experienced estate planning attorney in the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids area can guide you through the process, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
How to Get Started
Taking the first step is easier than you think. Here’s how to begin planning with Deeney Law Firm, PLC.
Schedule a Consultation: Contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your goals and concerns.
Gather Information: Bring details about your assets, family, and preferences to your meeting.
Drafting Documents: Deeney Law Firm, PLC will draft customized documents, reviewing and explaining each to you. Documents are signed following the review.
Review Regularly: Review/update your plan every 3-5 years or after major life events with help from an experienced estate planning attorney in the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids area.
Don’t Wait—Act Today
Every day you delay estate planning is a day your family’s future is at risk. Whether you’re in Solon, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Coralville, or Marion, now is the time to protect your legacy. At Deeney Law Firm, PLC, we take pride in providing the highest level of service possible. We offer personalized, affordable solutions, from wills and trusts to probate and trust administration.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Call (319) 400-8488 or visit www.deeneylawfirm.com to schedule your appointment. Don’t leave your legacy to chance—secure it with a plan tailored for you.
Posted by Deeney Law Firm, PLC on May 30, 2025