If you are an older American and you haven’t updated your estate planning documents in a few years, it is important to connect with an experienced Shreveport, LA elder law lawyer in order to get these documents up to date. All too often, Americans view the process of drafting estate planning documents as a “one and done” occurrence. However, it is important to regularly update your plans to reflect major life events (new children, new spouse, etc.) as well as any changes of heart. At Theus Law Offices, we can help make sure that everything is in place so the wishes you’ve outlined in your planning documentation remain accurate reflections of your legally enforceable priorities and desires. Contact us today to learn more!
Elder Law Attorney Shreveport, LA
Your time is precious. You have places to go, people to see, and things to do. Our team respects that reality. But we want to remind you that if you don’t occasionally take a little time to update your estate planning documents, your current wishes won’t necessarily be enforceable, and your loved ones may incur unnecessary stressors down the road as well.
Estate planning documents are meant to serve as “living” documents. What does this mean? Very few kinds of estate planning tools (mainly certain kinds of trusts) cannot be modified once they have been put into place. Otherwise, these documents are meant to be updated and revised as an individual’s life experiences, assets, family, priorities, and needs all change. If these documents do not get updated over time, they generally fail to reflect the current wishes of the individual who first drafted them.
For example, if you created a healthcare power of attorney years ago and named someone who is no longer the best person to make medical decisions on your behalf, your documents may not reflect your current wishes. Changes in relationships, health conditions, or personal values can all affect who you trust to speak for you and what kind of care you would want. It is therefore important to work with an attorney to update these documents with relative regularity.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you’ve either never constructed an estate plan or you haven’t updated your estate plan since experiencing significant shifts in your life circumstances and/or estate planning priorities, please connect with us at Theus Law Offices today.
Our dynamic team can advise you of your options and help to ensure that your estate plan remains as accurate and effective as you and your loved ones need it to be with minimal hassle. We understand how precious your time is and how important your estate planning documents are. As a result, we work efficiently and effectively to serve our clients’ interests so that they can have peace of mind as they go on with their lives, knowing that they don’t need to concern themselves with their estate planning priorities until the need to update these documents arises again. We look forward to speaking with you.
Estate Planning Misconceptions
Estate planning is often surrounded by myths that cause people to delay or avoid creating a plan altogether. These misconceptions can lead to confusion, unintended outcomes, and unnecessary stress for loved ones. Below are some of the most common estate planning myths our team hears, along with the facts we believe every family should understand.
Only People Who Are Rich Need A Will
If you own anything at all, you want to have a will to state who gets it after you pass away. A will can be a valuable part of your estate planning, as it spells out your final wishes. Even if all you own is a car, some furniture, clothes, linens and dishes, your will should spell out who will receive them upon your death. Our firm can help you draft a simple will to distribute your belongings.
It’s Cheaper To Make A Will With Online Forms
While it may be cheaper in the short term to make a DIY will with online forms, it could be costly in the long run. Louisiana has very specific rules about what is and isn’t a valid will, and fill-in-the-blank online wills are not valid. Our Shreveport elder law attorney can help you draw up a valid will with the notary public and witness signatures required.
I’m Going To Have To Pay A Death Tax
Many people worry that their estate will be taxed heavily when they pass away, but federal estate tax only applies to very large estates. For 2026, the federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption is $15 million per individual under current IRS rules—which means estates worth less than that generally won’t owe federal estate tax when the owner dies.
In addition to the lifetime exemption, the IRS allows you to make annual tax-free gifts of up to $19,000 per person in 2026 without using any of your lifetime exemption.
These tax rules can be complex, and they change over time. It’s important to consult with an experienced estate attorney to understand how current federal tax law applies to your situation and how to structure your estate plan in the most tax-efficient way.
The Oldest Child Is Automatically The Executor Of The Parent’s Estate
The oldest child can certainly be named as the executor of your estate, but you may choose anyone you want as your executor. The most important thing is that you’re choosing someone level-headed and competent. If your oldest child isn’t the best with handling finances, you should look to someone else to execute your last wishes.
I Should Leave Everything I Have To My Children
You certainly have the option to leave everything to your children. Your elder law attorney can help you set up your estate that way. However, you may want to consider bequests to other relatives, friends and charities you support. If your best friend collects the same antique glass as you, you may want to leave your collection to her. Your children don’t have to receive anything from your estate.
Let Us Guide You Toward Your Goals
Understanding the truth behind these estate planning misconceptions can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Every situation is unique, and working with our knowledgeable and personable elder law attorney can make a huge difference in your entire planning experience. Contact Theus Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
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Protect What You’ve Worked Hard To Build
Taking the time to create and maintain an estate plan is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect yourself and the people you care about. Whether you are revisiting documents drafted years ago or starting the process for the first time, having the right legal guidance can make all the difference. Our experienced Louisiana elder law attorney can help you make sure your wishes are clearly documented, legally valid, and aligned with your current (and evolving) life circumstances. If you have questions about estate planning, our team at Theus Law Offices is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation—and gain the confidence that comes with knowing your plans are in order!
