Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Estate - Bucks County Real Estate, Estates and Divorce and Custody Attorney

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy and provide clarity and security for your loved ones. Yet, many people delay the process—or unknowingly make critical mistakes that can create confusion, financial hardship, or even legal battles. At our firm, we’ve seen firsthand how avoidable missteps can derail good intentions.

Here are the top five mistakes to avoid when planning your estate—and how we can help you plan with confidence.

1. Not Having an Estate Plan at All

Many individuals assume that estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly. The truth is, anyone with assets, children, or specific wishes should have an estate plan in place. Without one, state laws will determine how your estate is divided—and that may not align with your preferences.

Our advice: Start early. A well-prepared estate plan ensures your voice is heard, even when you’re no longer here to speak.

2. Failing to Update Your Documents

Life changes—marriage, divorce, births, deaths, and financial shifts—can make an outdated estate plan inaccurate or even invalid. If your will or trust doesn’t reflect your current wishes or relationships, it can cause disputes or unintended outcomes.

Our advice: Review your estate plan every few years, or after any major life event. We help clients maintain plans that evolve with their lives.

3. Naming the Wrong People in Key Roles

Choosing an executor, trustee, or guardian requires careful thought. Many people name someone based on family ties rather than their qualifications or willingness to take on the responsibility. The wrong person can lead to delays, mismanagement, or even legal issues.

Our advice: We guide you in selecting trustworthy, capable individuals and offer legal options in case things don’t go as planned.

4. Overlooking Digital Assets and Online Accounts

In today’s world, digital assets—from online bank accounts to social media profiles—carry real value. If not addressed, they can be lost or mishandled after your death.

Our advice: We ensure your estate plan includes a digital inventory and clear instructions on how these assets should be accessed or transferred.

5. Not Considering Taxes or Long-Term Care Costs

Ignoring potential estate taxes or the high cost of long-term care can significantly reduce what you leave behind. Proper planning can help preserve more of your assets for your beneficiaries.

Our advice: We help you explore tools like trusts, gifting strategies, and powers of attorney that can safeguard your estate from unnecessary loss.

How Our Law Firm Can Help

Estate planning is more than just paperwork—it’s peace of mind. Our firm provides personalized, thoughtful guidance to ensure your estate plan aligns with your wishes, protects your loved ones, and minimizes potential risks. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to update existing documents, we’re here to make the process clear, efficient, and empowering.

Let’s make sure your legacy is protected—on your terms. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Eddie Rodriguez

15:41 05 Jun 20

Michael Kuldiner and Maria Lester, Paralegal Were very Responsive and quick to handle my case. I highly recommend their services to anyone! Thanks again for your help and I will be using you again in the future!

Michael L. Saile, Jr.

13:30 16 Feb 20

My law firms have worked with Michael and his team for a number of years and continue to do so. Whether you are going through a bitter divorce and need a fighter or buying or selling real estate and just need to get the deal through, this law has the knowledge, skill, and tenacity to win and make your experience as best as it can be. Give them a call today to get started!

Sanghavi Family

03:24 26 Nov 19

Michael is excellent! We were incredibly impressed by his professionalism and quick response time. He helped with our home closing. He stayed abreast with the events at closing and ensured everything ran smoothly even though he couldn't physically be present. We would highly recommend his services!

DM MD

17:51 28 Oct 19

Great lawyers- I had a complex custody issue, and Marianne, my attorney for my recent case, was a HUGE help. Even Christin, who works with Marianne and the firm, gives helpful advice and always available and understanding, as well. Also, they were VERY understanding of my financial situation, and gave advice accordingly, which is a rare find in this field. They are compassionate, understanding, and always available to answer any and all questions. I highly recommend this law firm. They go above and beyond, which again, is rare. I've used their firm for over two years, and always had great experiences. Highly HIGHLY recommend!

Leslie C.

16:59 13 Sep 19

Michael provided superior representation. I’m pleased with the outcome, it was along the lines of what he anticipated. Michael is very knowledgeable and a great negotiator. His team was very supportive and encouraging. They stayed on top of all deadlines to ensure the process was resolved as quickly as possible. I highly recommend Michael and his team.

Veronica Eiben

15:29 08 Jul 19

There are no words to truly explain how grateful we are to Michael Kuldiner and his staff. We had a previous attorney that had done very little with our case. Michael agreed to take our case, and we are very thankful that he did! He was able to accomplish in 4 months what the other attorney had not even come close to in over 2 1/2 years. Felicia is the most AMAZING Paralegal. She is through, prompt, on top of every detail, and incredibly kind. We are confident that our case settled simply because of Michael, Felicia and the office as a whole. HIGHLY recommend!!!

Kevin Ireland

04:28 21 Sep 18

Michael is an A+++ lawyer. He is very well versed in the law and fights hard for his clients. His dedication to his craft is unmatched. I HIGHLY recommend him and his legal team.

Samantha Ruland

18:45 18 Sep 18

Exceptional firm. They made me their priority and were always quick to return my calls and emails. Glad I came to them for help when I needed it! I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal assistance or advice.

JC Ye

01:09 20 Aug 18

We terminated our previous real estate attorney and came to Michael for help. We were most impressed by Michael's deep commitment on our best interest and his strong legal expertise on helping us achieve the desired outcome. I also really liked Michael's communication - He always returns your call and inform you key progress of the case. We will definitely recommend Michael to our network as the top real estate attorney.

Cartin cartin

16:57 11 Jul 18

Michael Kuldiner and his staff are the best! They are professional, educated and always there when you need them. I went through a very difficult divorce and there is no one else I would rather have by my side then Michael.

Zhanna Sivchuk

00:10 10 Apr 18

I dropped my old attorney and came to Mike. I had 2 matters that needed to be resolved together. My previous attorney was only working on one matter since he was not knowledgeable in the other, my case was going no where. Finally after 6 years i dropped my old attorney and came to Mike. He was able to take care of both matters in fraction of the time and cost than with my previous attorney. Michael and his team are very knowledgeable in many diverse legal areas. I am very happy i switched attorneys and both of my cases were resolved and finalized.