It can be hard to get motivated about your estate planning; it sounds about as fun as getting a root canal. However, you also probably want to make sure that your loved ones are protected and receive your hard-earned money and property – regardless of whether you have $10 million or $10,000. But it’s not just about money, of course, it’s also about passing on your values as part of your legacy. What do you want to be remembered for? What values do you want future generations to hold because of the things you taught them today?
Do not let these common roadblocks stop you from protecting yourself and your loved ones or from leaving a legacy for the future:
1. Who Wants to Talk About Death?
Discussions of death, dying, and illness, money and family, will and trusts, make many folks uncomfortable. That’s normal. But, death is a part of life for us all, and it is in contemplation of our own mortality that we are allowed the opportunity to stop and think about what we are doing, whether we are living the life we want to live, and whether we are setting the examples we want to set for future generations. So, try not to let a few minutes of feeling uncomfortable stop you from taking care of yourself and your loved ones.
2. This Is Not a Good Time.
Everyone is busy. We understand that, but there is never going to be a perfect moment to address your estate plan. Certain things in life simply need to be put on the calendar and addressed, or they’ll sit forever on the backburner. A good estate planning lawyer will make sure the process is as smooth and painless as possible. Plus, let’s not underestimate the relief you’ll get from having this big to-do checked off your list!
3. I Do Not Get It.
Familial details are discussed; diagrams are drawn; finances are discussed; the law is analyzed. It is common to feel uncomfortable in a world you are not familiar with. If that is what you are thinking, you are not alone. We will translate complex legal concepts into everyday terms for you, and we will ensure that you are comfortable with each step we take in your estate planning process.
The truth is that estate planning isn’t so bad! In fact, with our help, estate planning is easy. It may even give you the chance to focus on your life and your legacy and to think deeply about what you’ve managed to accomplish in this life so far and what more you have yet to do. We will talk with you about your goals and concerns, analyze your family and financial situation, and work with you to come up with a solid plan that provides for your family or your favorite causes, minimizes taxes, protects your assets, and plans for your incapacity; but most importantly, we’ll develop a plan that provides you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you did the right thing. You provide the information, which we always keep confidential, and we will take care of everything else.
