Do you ever think about all the many ways to say “I Love You?” Valentine’s Day is this month, how are you going to say those important words to your spouse and children? Chocolates, flowers, gifts? We know the best way is to just say it and act with love on a daily basis. However, when thinking about the future, it may be a little more complicated.
Have you ever thought about making a very powerful statement of your love to your family by creating an estate plan? By working thoughtfully and thoroughly with your estate planning attorney, your completed estate plan will mean that your family will not have to guess at your wishes. They will not have to go through lengthy court procedures, challenges with creditors or be without an advocate when you are no longer here. We know that it can be stressful to think about life after your death but an estate plan is critical to ensure that the sorrow your loved ones feel is not compounded by any crisis that could have been avoided.
Instead of giving chocolates and jewelry this Valentine’s Day, want to really say “I Love You?” Consider these five ways to say “I Love You” with estate planning:
1. Give them a solid future. You can take steps now to limit the reach of creditors on your estate, maximize your assets and set guidelines to make sure your spouse is provided for in your absence and provide your children the opportunity to go to college.
2. Keep conflict to a minimum or out completely. When you choose your decision makers in advance, while you have capacity, you limit any chances of family disagreements. Your loved ones, therefore, will have time to focus on dealing with their grief instead of wasting time fighting over what your wishes might have been.
3. Be sure there is no uncertainty. During difficult emotional times, it is hard for anyone to make well-reasoned decisions. That is why it is important that you make the tough choices now and take the burden of responsibility off the shoulders of your spouse and children.
4. Get rid of your stress. Estate planning will benefit you! It can unburden you of your stress by getting rid of the uncertainty that can come with end of life decision making. With your estate plan you know that all of your end of life decisions are your own and not someone else’s.
5. Your estate plan will give them peace of mind. Now that your family knows that you have taken care of everything from health care decision making and finances to taxes and wealth transfer strategies they can have peace of mind. Your estate plan will mean everything to your family when the planning you have put in place needs to be implemented. Giving them peace of mind when it matters most is one of the best ways to say “I love you” to your family.
Remember, at the end of the day, estate planning is not just for you. Instead, it is for the ones you love most. If we can answer any questions for you on putting this estate planning in place, please do not hesitate to let us know. For more information on finding the best way to protect your legacy with estate planning, please feel free to contact our office to schedule a meeting time.
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