The Blessings of Estate Planning

When most folks think about estate planning, or making a Will, they usually view it as some necessary evil. I often hear from clients: “We’ve been putting this off for a long time.” And “I finally convinced my husband to take care of this.” It’s kind of like buying new tires or going to the dentist- folks know they are supposed to do it, but they tend to put it off. Today I am writing to offer a different perspective. Planning for your passing is a blessing.

To begin with, a good plan will clear the way for your loved ones so that they can spend time grieving your death and less time working to get your estate in order. A thought-out estate plan will save your family time and money. Most folks can avoid the expense of Probate with a little planning. At Redbird Law I receive calls from family members of an estate planning client after the death. They are upset and want to talk to the lawyer to know what they need to do. Often, I review the plan that was put in place and then inform them that my client took care of it all, and there is not much for them to do on the legal side.

A good plan can also avoid mishaps and major problems. A couple of times a year I have a surviving spouse break down in tears in my office. Their deceased spouse did not make a plan, and the deceased’s interest in their home did not pass to the surviving spouse, but rather to his children.

Estate planning is not just about avoiding problems though. A very positive way to think about estate planning is to think of it as a really special gift. The planner gets to use his wealth (even if it is not a lot, it is something!) to benefit his loved ones. You can set up your spouse, or your children, or a niece for success in life with the gift of an inheritance. The right gift at the right time can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

A final thought on the blessing of estate planning is the peace of mind that it will bring to you. Many times, I hear an audible sigh of relief (usually the wife) when the plan comes together in my conference room. I hear: “I feel so much better about this now!” “I am so glad that we finally did this.” “I have been worrying about this for years.” You will feel better and more secure having a plan in place.

What blessings would a good plan provide for you and your loved ones?