While many people in Connecticut are reluctant to tackle estate planning--maybe because it reminds them of their own mortality--some recent celebrities in the news after their deaths have shown that not only is it worth it to plan properly, but it should be done as quickly as reasonably possible. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone, and while this is especially heavily weighted on the minds of those dealing with elder care issues, it is true for all of us.

One person whose life has gotten a lot of attention after his death is the author of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" and its sequels, Stieg Larsson. He died suddenly of a heart attack at age 50, having not yet become well-known, at least in the United States. Today, however, his books and movie adaptations of the books are ubiquitous, and his estate is worth millions.

However, he neglected to prepare a will before his death. That means that the girlfriend he lived with for decades did not inherit his estate, which instead went to his family (the girlfriend claims the author was not close with them). Apparently there is another unpublished manuscript, but legal wrangling over it might prevent its release for some time.

Singer Etta James, who died last month, also was the subject of family infighting, in her case between her husband and her sons from previous relationships. In James' case, decisions about her health care were also at stake. Ultimately the parties came to an agreement a few weeks before she died, allowing her husband some say in her affairs despite a document giving power of attorney to one of her sons.

In any case, estate planning is crucial and should be thoughtfully dealt with by families before it's too late. An experienced estate planning attorney in Connecticut can help expedite the process.

Source: Forbes, "Etta James, Others Remind of Need for Estate Planning in 2012," Danielle and Andy Mayoras, Jan. 24, 2012