Here are a few essential reasons why you should have an estate plan:

• Ensure that your loved ones will be taken care of should anything happen to you.

• Maintain your assets and affairs according to your wishes should you become incapacitated.

• Avoid probate and probate fees.

• Minimize estate taxes at your death.

• Preserve your values throughout generations.

• Protect assets from creditors, divorces, and lawsuits.

• Promote a charitable cause.

• Choose who you want to raise your children should anything happen to you and your spouse.

• Don't let the court make that decision for you.

• Control where your assets go, when they go, and how they go.

• Create a legacy.