June 16, 2022
Planning for retirement is the greatest approach to assure a comfortable retirement lifestyle. The sooner you start investing and the more meticulously you plan, the longer your money will have to grow.
The time needed to create an effective retirement plan might make the process daunting. And even after reaching retirement, managing your retirement is a continuing obligation.
However, the process may be easier by defining a realistic and attainable savings and investment strategy and maintaining a long-term commitment.
Collaboration with Your Lawyer
For the most secure retirement, it may be in your best interest to contact an attorney who specializes in retirement planning. A lawyer specializing in retirement planning can assist you in understanding how to maximize your retirement money and assets.
As you plan for retirement, your attorney can also assist you in taking advantage of favorable tax regulations. You will need to collect several papers and send copies to your attorney. During the evaluation of your papers, you and your attorney may plan your retirement to protect your short- and long-term interests and those of your family. This list of papers your attorney may obtain is not exhaustive.
Financial Records and Account Statements
To estimate your future Social Security payments accurately, you must evaluate your personal and corporate tax filings. Together with additional evidence of current income, these records can be used to establish what proportion of your salary must be saved to reach your retirement objective.
Using bank accounts, certificates of deposit, and other account information, you and your family may assess what immediate cash is accessible. You and your attorney can decide whether account consolidation or account relocation will benefit you best.
- Individual tax returns for the previous three to five years (federal, state, and local)
- Business tax returns for the previous three to five years (federal, state, and local)
- Proof of current income
- Proof of current income for your spouse
- Prenuptial agreement
- Bank statements
- Certificates of deposit
Accounts For Retirement, Stock Portfolios, and Real Estate
Whether you have an employer-sponsored defined benefit pension, a 401(k), an individual retirement account (IRA), or another type of retirement account, you and your attorney can discuss and plan the optimal use of your retirement accounts, taking tax implications into account, so that you can be protected in the future.
Additionally, you and your attorney should analyze your financial portfolio to see if the degree of risk is suitable for retirement planning. Additionally, you should evaluate your mortgages and property valuations to see if selling, downsizing, or refinancing is right for your retirement plan.
- Pension statements
- Retirement account statements
- Social security benefits estimate
- Stock portfolios
- Stock options
- Mortgages
- Loan documents
- Utility bills
- Other bills (e.g., college tuition for children, health and dental insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical bills, etc.)
Wills and Testaments, Insurance Policies, and Personal Property
While planning your retirement, you might also revisit your estate strategy. You and your attorney can examine your will, powers of attorney, and advance instructions for health care. It is prudent to align your estate strategy with your retirement objective. You may also desire to evaluate your life, health, and homeowner’s insurance plans. While many retirees cancel their life insurance policies, you may desire to keep yours for legacy or estate planning reasons.
Conclusion
Final recommendation: examine a list of your personal property, including home furniture, jewelry, artwork, and workplace supplies. As part of your retirement plan, you and your attorney can select which personal property should be liquidated.
The Dorsey Law JAX is an expert in various family law topics. We offer all family legal services, from injunctions against domestic abuse through divorce proceedings. We strive to negotiate agreements but will go to trial without hesitation if required. If you seek a family lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida, we will assist you. Contact us immediately!
