When you hear the phrase “estate plan,” you might first think about paperwork. Or your mind might land on some of the uncomfortable topics that estate planning confronts head-on: end-of-life decisions, incapacity, and your family's legacy from generation to generation. Those subjects hit home for everyone.  But while that could feel like a reason to avoid estate planning, the emotional nature of these decisions is actually a reason to embrace the process with enthusiasm.

We celebrate Valentine's Day each year on February 14th.  Although the day originated as a Christian feast day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, Valentine's Day has become a significant cultural and commercial celebration of love around the world.  One of the best gifts of love that you can give to someone is an estate plan setting forth your wishes.  And here is why!

Estate planning creates stability in times of loss

If you end up in a state of incapacity later in life, it's guaranteed to be a difficult time for your family. If your estate plan doesn't include detailed instructions for a trusted decision maker and an actionable long-term care plan, it's guaranteed to be even worse. You can save your loved ones from the confusion about what to do and the pressure to make rushed choices if this occurs, allowing them to save their energy for processing the situation.

Comprehensive estate plans keep emotional matters private

Detailed, trust-based estate planning with lifetime beneficiary directed trusts keeps your private matters out of the public eye. When your estate plan is scant — such as a simple “I love you” will — you're running the risk of your estate going through court in a proceeding called probate. This means that choices become visible to those outside your inner circle. Because of the notice requirements, probate can also invite controversy and conflict which a private transfer would have avoided.

Estate planning can bring a family together

Everyone has heard of a situation in which siblings argued over what their parents left them as beneficiaries. But the opposite is also quite true. When you get your family and other loved ones involved in your estate planning process, you gain a wonderful opportunity to show them how much you care. Creating your estate plan can strengthen the bonds of love in a family and serve as a reminder of those bonds for years to come.

Your estate is about much more than money

Estate planning is about a whole lot more than just wealth distribution and taxes. During an estate planning session, we can talk about significant family heirlooms, your hard-won hobby collection, and other matters totally unique to your life. We can even look into the memories and intellectual property you want to make sure your beneficiaries receive, such as photos, art, and even recorded videos or audio files of family stories you'd like to share with future generations.

An estate plan means you're not going it alone

You shouldn't have to face trying times alone. Whether the estate in question is yours or a loved one's, your estate planning attorney will have the answers. Let us take care of the nuts and bolts with regards to educating your appointed agents about their duties so you can know that your family will be in good hands if anything happens to you. The idea of setting everything straight on your own can be a stressful one, but these emotional decisions are much easier to make with a trusted advisor by your side.

We want you to feel ownership and investment in getting your estate plan to reflect who you are and the love that you have for your family, friends or charities. Estate planning is an opportunity to look at some of life's big questions and ultimately make sure your family feels your love for them through the choices you make. Give us a call today to see how we can create custom-made solutions that do just that.