Pre-Planning Your Estate Plan

"Nothing is more certain than death," declares St. Anselm, "nothing more uncertain than its hour."

Because we know not the day nor the hour, it is an act of prudence and love to have a plan in place for our loved ones in the event we become incapacitated or pass away from this world.

Here are a few questions to think about when you decide to make a plan.

• What would happen if you died or became incapacitated today?
• Who would be notified in such an event? Your spouse? Children? Relative? Friend?
• How would someone know who the proper person is to notify?
• Who would make medical decisions for you if you're stuck in coma or otherwise rendered incompetent or incapacitated?
• Does he/she know what your wishes are as to your medical care?
• Who would take care of your finances?
• Does anyone know how to access your finances?
• What if you and your spouse both die together in an accident?
• Do you have children? Who will take care of them?
• What will happen to your belongings?
• Do you have a child who should not presently receive a substantial sum of money due to any particular reason, including immaturity, addiction problems, unhealthy relationships, divorce and remarriage, etc?
• What if your child dies before you? Or dies with you?
• Will your favorite charity get anything?

If you do not have the answers to these questions properly documented and legally provided for in advance of your incapacitation or death, the State will decide for you. 

An effective Estate Plan is an instruction manual for your loved ones, appointing people you trust to carry out your express wishes and desires as to your medical care and finances in the event of incapacitation, as well as to the disposition of your assets upon death. It can as simple or complex as you desire, but in the end it will be your plan and will leave no one second-guessing your intentions and desires. 

An effective Estate Plan relieves your loved ones of the burdens of sorting out your affairs, allowing them to focus on grieving. 

As part of your Estate Plan, we encourage you to include a heartfelt letter or video to be delivered to each of your loved ones upon your passing, perhaps expressing those things you could never seem to articulate while you were still alive; something they will hold on to, cherish, and revisit during their hard times when they miss you most.

An effective Estate Plan is an Act of Love and a Sign of Good Stewardship over your material blessings.

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