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The Mid-Year Legal Checkup: Gaps You Must Close Now

How to Protect Your Family, Your Finances, and Your Legacy—Before It’s Too Late

If something happened tomorrow, would your family be prepared? Or would they be caught off guard by legal gaps you didn’t even know existed?

 

It’s July—the halfway point of the year. Summer’s in full swing, vacations are planned, and you’ve (hopefully) put tax season behind you. But while you’re enjoying the sunshine, there’s one critical question most families forget to ask:

“Is my estate plan actually protecting my family right now?”

 

Mid-year is the perfect time for a legal checkup. Whether you already have a plan in place or you’re just getting started, now is the moment to close the gaps that leave families exposed. Because the truth is, most people think they’re covered—when in reality, their estate plan is missing key protections.

 

Let’s break down the five most common estate planning gaps, how they put your family at risk, and the simple, affordable steps you can take to fix them before the year is out.

 

Why a Mid-Year Legal Checkup Matters (And Why Most People Skip It)

Estate planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. Life changes—fast. New jobs, new homes, marriages, divorces, new babies, aging parents… all of these impact your legal needs. Yet, most Americans put off reviewing their estate plan until it’s too late.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Your assets could end up tied up in court for months (or years)
• Your children could be placed with someone you never intended
• Your spouse or loved ones could be left without access to money or medical decision-making power
• Your family could face unnecessary stress, conflict, and legal fees

The good news?
A mid-year checkup takes less than an hour and could save your family months of headaches and thousands in legal costs.

 

5 Estate Planning Gaps You Can Still Fix This Year

1. You Only Have a Will—But No Trust

The Myth:

“A Will is all I need.”

The Reality:
A Will is a great start, but it isn’t the complete solution most people think it is. Wills must go through probate—a court process that can take months, rack up fees, and turn your private affairs into public record. During probate, your family could face:

• Delays in accessing funds
• Legal fees that eat into your estate
• Family disputes over assets
• Loss of privacy (probate records are public)

The Solution:
A Revocable Living Trust. Trusts allow your family to skip probate, receive assets quickly and privately, and avoid court drama. With a trust, you:

• Keep your estate out of the courts
• Give your family immediate access to what they need
• Maintain privacy about your assets and wishes

At US Legal Consults, our $297 bundle includes both a Will and a Revocable Living Trust—so you get complete protection without paying thousands.

 

2. You Never Named Guardians for Your Kids

The Myth:
“My family knows what to do if something happens.”

The Reality:
If it’s not legally documented, it’s not enforceable. Without a named guardian in your Will:

• A judge decides who raises your children
• Your kids could end up in temporary foster care
• Well-meaning relatives could fight over custody
• Your wishes may be ignored or misunderstood

The Solution:
Name both a primary and a backup guardian in your Will. This gives your children a clear path and spares them from chaos and conflict if the unthinkable happens.

USLC makes this easy—we guide you step-by-step to ensure your wishes are clear, legal, and enforceable.

 

3. Your Beneficiaries Are Outdated

The Myth:
“My Will controls everything.”

The Reality:
Many key assets—like life insurance, retirement accounts, and some bank accounts—are controlled by beneficiary designations, not your Will. If you haven’t updated these after major life events (marriage, divorce, new child, job change), your assets could end up going to the wrong person, or even an ex-spouse.

Common assets with beneficiary designations:

• Bank accounts (with “payable on death” instructions)
• Life insurance policies
• Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
• Real estate deeds (with transfer-on-death clauses)

The Solution:
Do a mid-year “beneficiary audit.” Check every account and policy. Make sure they align with your current wishes and family structure.

 

4. You Don’t Have a Power of Attorney

The Myth:
“Estate planning is just about what happens after I die.”

The Reality:
Estate planning is just as much about protecting you while you’re alive. If you become incapacitated—due to an accident, illness, or age—who will make financial and medical decisions for you?

Without a Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive in place:

• Your family may need to go to court just to help you
• Bills could go unpaid, assets frozen, medical care delayed
• The court could appoint someone you wouldn’t choose

The Solution:
Include a Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive in your estate plan. This ensures someone you trust can step in immediately—no court, no delays.

Our $297 bundle includes these documents, so you’re protected in life and beyond.

 

5. Your Plan Is Outdated (or Nonexistent)

The Myth:
“I did my Will years ago—I’m good.”

The Reality:
Life changes, and so should your plan. If you’ve moved, had a child, gotten divorced, changed jobs, or acquired new assets, your old documents may no longer reflect your wishes.

Ask yourself:

• Have I moved to a new state?
• Has my family structure changed (marriage, divorce, new child)?
• Have I acquired or sold major assets?
• Has it been more than three years since I reviewed my Will?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, it’s time to review—or start from scratch.

 

The $297 Solution to All of the Above

Most people think estate planning is complicated, expensive, and only for the wealthy. That’s why US Legal Consults was founded—to make legal protection clear, affordable, and accessible for real families.

Our Flat-Fee Done-for-You Will & Trust Bundle includes:

• Custom Will (for each spouse, if needed)
• Revocable Living Trust (to avoid probate)
• Power of Attorney & Health Care Directive
• 30-Minute Legal Consult with a real legal professional
• Fast, secure digital delivery (in 2–5 business days)
• Transparent $297 flat-rate—no hidden fees, no upsells, no surprises

 

Why choose USLC?

• Veteran-owned, mission-driven, and focused on helping everyday families
• Designed for middle-class families who want real protection, not legal jargon
• Over 80% customer retention rate—families trust us to keep them protected as life changes

 

Step-by-Step: Your Mid-Year Estate Planning Checklist

1. List Your Assets & Wishes

• Home, savings, investments, insurance, personal property
• Who do you want to inherit what?
• Who should care for your children?

2. Choose Your Team

• Executor (for a Will) or Trustee (for a Trust)
• Guardians for minor children
• Backup choices in case your first pick can’t serve

3. Decide: Will, Trust, or Both?

• Simple estates: a Will may be enough
• Complex needs (young children, blended families, privacy): consider a Trust

4. Audit Your Beneficiaries

• Review every account and policy with a beneficiary designation
• Update as needed to match your wishes

5. Get Professional Guidance

• Laws vary by state—get advice tailored to your situation
• Avoid pitfalls and ensure your documents are legally sound

6. Review and Update Regularly

• Major life changes? Update your Will, Trust, and beneficiary designations

 

Why Closing These Gaps Matters

Case #1: Probate Delays
A family with only a Will spent nearly a year in probate court, paying thousands in fees and waiting to access needed funds. With a Trust, they could have avoided the delay and expense.

Case #2: Guardianship Chaos
A couple passed away unexpectedly. Because they hadn’t named a guardian for their children, the kids were placed in foster care for weeks while relatives fought in court. A simple Will could have prevented this trauma.

Case #3: Outdated Beneficiaries
A man’s retirement account went to his ex-wife because he never updated his beneficiary after divorce. His children received nothing from that account.

Case #4: Incapacity Without Power of Attorney
After a stroke, a woman’s family spent months in court seeking authority to pay bills and make medical decisions. A Power of Attorney would have allowed immediate help.

 

Common Myths & Mistakes (And the Facts You Need)

Myth #1: “I’m too young or don’t have enough assets for this.”
Truth: If you have a family, home, or savings, you need a plan.

Myth #2: “A Will covers everything.”
Truth: Wills don’t avoid probate and may not control all assets (like life insurance or jointly owned property).

Myth #3: “I can just do it myself online.”
Truth: DIY documents often miss state requirements or key protections.

Mistake:
Not updating your Will or Trust after major life changes (marriage, divorce, new children, buying a home).

 

Your Estate Planning Questions Answered

Q: How often should I review my estate plan?
A: At least every three years, or after any major life event (marriage, divorce, new child, move, etc.).

Q: What’s the difference between a Will and a Trust?
A: A Will outlines your wishes after you pass away, but goes through probate. A Trust holds and manages assets for your benefit, avoids probate, and keeps your affairs private.

Q: Is estate planning expensive?
A: With USLC, it’s just $297—all-inclusive, no hidden fees, no upsells.

Q: Can I update my plan if my life changes?
A: Absolutely. We make it easy to update your documents as your family and assets grow.

 

Why Act Now?
We only take on a limited number of new clients each week to ensure every family gets the attention they deserve. Once we hit capacity, new clients go on a waitlist.

“Isn’t this stuff expensive?" Normally, yes. That’s why I created this $297 package for normal people who just want peace of mind—no upsells, no lawyers.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Every week, families face preventable legal chaos because they didn’t close these gaps in time.

 

Ready for Your Mid-Year Reality Check?

What’s been stopping you from getting this handled?
If you’re like most people, it’s one of these:

• “It’s too complicated”
• “It’s too expensive”
• “I just haven’t gotten around to it”

We’ve removed all those excuses.

You get expert help, for one simple price, with zero court delays.
And it takes less than an hour to get started.

 

Ready to Close the Gaps?

You’ve still got half the year left—but the best time to act is now.

 

Scan Below To Get Started

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https://uslegalconsults.com/Will-Trust/