“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?” An age-old question most often sung during New Years’ Eve, its words cause us to reflect on times past and remember the people we have and still know. Whether it’s family gatherings, visiting with friends, or simple phone calls to loved ones, we often find moments to appreciate the relationships and people we have in our lives. Families and friends gather to enjoy food, company, and conversations. Many reminisce about times past. Don't leave your family guessing in the future or forget about those you hold most dear. Take a moment with those closest to you this season to discuss your legacy to protect it with an estate plan.
These conversations can be as simple or as detailed as you may feel appropriate for your own situation. Some families ask what heirlooms might reflect a certain memory or who should be in charge when they pass on, leading to a fun and reflective conversation about fun times spent together and what things might remind them of those times. Some may bring up family history and ask who would be the most willing to carry on the records and photographs left behind by past generations.
Other families might need deeper conversations about their loved ones who may or may not get along, a person's unique struggles such as addiction or inability to manage on their own, or other issues and questions that draw us to worry for their future. These conversations can sometimes be awkward and difficult; however, if you have an idea or plan already in mind, it can prove beneficial to know that you are protecting your legacy and ensuring your family is cared for with the best possible strategies to protect them from themselves.
Others may not wish to discuss any information or ideas with those closest to them until after they have an estate plan in place. This is certainly not surprising and is even common. A positive to this approach is ensuring your plan reflects your own wishes and not the influences of others' opinions. Regardless of your circumstance, we will provide guidance during the estate planning process to help you know how to best direct conversations or gauge how little or much information you should share, depending on your unique circumstances.
Those who already have estate plans should consider at the very least discussing those plans with their designated representatives (such as the Trustee, Personal Representative, Agent of your Healthcare Directive, and Attorney-in-Fact of your Durable Power of Attorney). Just as for those without an estate plan currently in place, people with an active plan may consider what information they wish to share.
Contact us today to begin the estate planning process and know ahead of time what type of plan will work best for you and how you might discuss your plan with others. We are with you every step of the way and will ensure not only that you have the right plan for you, but that you are confident and comfortable in what your estate plan will do for you and those dear to you.
