5 Legal Issues You Can Plan Ahead For

Legal planning may not be something to which you've given much thought. After all, you can't always plan ahead for unexpected things like crime and workplace accidents.

But for plenty of other legal issues that you know you're going to face, you can (and should!) have some sort of action plan in place to address them. Don't worry, FindLaw's got you covered.

Our new Legal Planning homepage is a "one-stop shop" for your legal planning needs. It links you to clear, concise information about important legal issues you may face in different phases of your life. Here are five examples:

1. Cohabitation. From living together to landlord-tenant issues, there are a number of ways to plan ahead for various living situations when you're young and single. Planning in advance can help you avoid future problems or deal with existing issues that can come up regarding money, property, lease agreements, and more.
2. Getting married. Saying "I do" commits you to a person -- along with a host of legal obligations. Whether you need to change your name, figure out taxes, or manage money and property, a solid plan beforehand can help newly married couples avoid legal hiccups and keep your energy focused on marital bliss.
3. Home ownership. As your family grows, so do your housing needs. If you're planning on buying a home, there are a range of legal issues you can sort out in advance, including: knowing what questions to ask during the home buying process, preparing yourself financially, and finding a real estate agent.
4. Estate planning. As morbid as it may seem, it's critical to have a well-prepared estate plan while you're still in your middle years and in good health. This will ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are taken care of when you pass away.
5. Retirement. In some ways, retirement is the culmination of your years of hard work. It gives you the opportunity to (finally) take it easy. Why throw it all away with a haphazard, c'est la vie "plan"? Ditch the "it'll-sort-itself-out" plan for solid retirement planning that settles when to retire, how much money to expect during retirement, and how to maximize your retirement savings.

Of course, this touches on just a few of the legal issues for which you can plan ahead. To stay ahead of the curve when it comes to legal planning, sign up for FindLaw's free Legal Heads-Up newsletter.

Related Resources:

• Ways to Plan Ahead for Medical Care and Treatment (FindLaw)
• Are You Ever Too Young to Write a Will? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Retired and Working Again: Social Security Rules (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• How to Get Help With an Estate Plan (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)