Estate planning is more romantic than you might think. It ensures that someone or a group of people you care about receive instructions for challenging situations and how assets are distributed. It’s about ensuring that someone has a power of attorney and medical directives. These are acts of love, according to a recent article from Wealth Management, “Say ‘I Love You’ With an Estate Plan.”
With an estate plan in place, family members aren’t forced to make difficult decisions or worry about someone’s wishes not being granted. Without it, loved ones may face a lifetime of regret.
You may think spouses automatically receive everything upon the death of a spouse. However, it doesn’t always work this way. If there are children and there is no will, the assets are divided between the spouse and the children in many states. If the children are minors, the surviving spouse may be left scrambling to make up the difference to support the children. They won’t be able to access the minor children’s inheritance, as a court-appointed conservator may control the assets.
The last thing you want a grieving spouse to have to do after you’ve passed is to deal with legal complications, unexpected expenses and a struggle to pay bills. Creating an estate plan with an experienced estate planning attorney prepares the spouses for what will happen when one passes and allows the family to focus on grieving and caring for each other, instead of untangling disorganized finances.
Planning for estate taxes is another act of care for loved ones. Life insurance is often used to cover the cost of any taxes, which reduces the taxable estate and adds to the assets a loved one will receive. Without planning, an estate can lose one-sixth of its value in taxes alone, so tax planning should always be part of an estate plan.
To make estate plans more meaningful, you may want to leave a written note to loved ones. Often called an ethical will, this personal message shares the life lessons you’ve learned, values and encouragement. For some family members, the message of thoughtful and loving advice becomes an annual ritual, where the ethical will is read every year and often referred to when facing tough decisions in their personal and professional lives.
When someone dies unexpectedly or has no opportunity to say goodbye, having these final words can anchor loved ones through life. Putting your love and wisdom into a letter will add to your legacy.
Estate planning is more than paperwork. It lightens the pain of loss, preserves peace among the family and demonstrates caring for those you love. If you don’t have an estate plan, give yourself and your loved ones peace of mind by making an appointment today.
Reference: Wealth Management (Feb. 13, 2025) “Say ‘I Love You’ With an Estate Plan”