Have you taken a moment to reflect on and appreciate the invaluable contributions of the seniors in our lives, whether they’re parents, grandparents, or dear friends? These individuals have enriched our lives significantly over the years. However, as time swiftly passes, and we witness the effects of aging on our loved ones or even on ourselves, the desire to pause life becomes more apparent. Engaging in an Estate Planning Meeting can help preserve these significant aspects.
When reminiscing about a departed loved one, material possessions may not be the forefront of your thoughts. Perhaps you hold onto a piece of their clothing or proudly display a cherished item of theirs. The true value lies not in the monetary worth of these items but in the memories they evoke and the time spent together. The yearning to hear from them, learn from them, and share memories persists.
As your Family Wealth and Estate Attorney, I understand the importance of planning for the fate of your financial assets. Yet, I also recognize that there is something more valuable to pass on than mere money – your stories, lessons, insights, and values. Although time cannot be halted, there are ways to preserve the precious memories and lessons of those we cherish.
That’s why I offer a distinctive service called an Estate Planning Assessment, designed to help preserve your unique legacy for future generations. Integrated into all our plans, this service provides an opportunity to express your love for those who matter most. If you have aging parents or grandparents, the Estate Planning Assessment becomes even more crucial in preserving their stories and creating a cherished memory of their legacy.
What to Anticipate During Your Estate Planning Assessment
The Estate Planning Assessment is an integral part of my Estate and Succession Planning process. If the prospect of an interview seems daunting, fear not – it is a simple conversation. Most clients find this to be the highlight of the estate planning process, a genuinely touching experience.
Throughout the assessment, we pose a series of questions and prompts that we plan in advance, or you can freely share whatever you wish with your loved ones. It is your interview, so feel encouraged to be your authentic self. We will guide you through the process, whether conducted in person or remotely, based on your preference.
The interview will be recorded on video and, once completed, the footage will be edited and provided to you as a digital recording. This recording can be shared with your family or retained with your estate planning materials, serving as a special memento of your story and your love for your family.
This feature is embedded in all our plans because, although many express the intent to document stories and write letters, few actually follow through.
Initiating Conversations with Your Loved Ones
Broaching the subject of estate planning and the legacy a loved one will leave behind can be challenging for many. People cope with the concepts of aging and mortality differently. Some avoid the topic entirely, while others may make light or joke about it. Nevertheless, discussing your elder’s wishes and the importance of planning ahead is crucial.
If unsure about your loved one’s response, approach the conversation from a vulnerable place rather than judgment if they make jokes. Understand that humor might be a defense mechanism rooted in fear.
Express sentiments such as, “I know this might be difficult to discuss, but it’s important to me. If something were to happen, I want to ensure we can take care of you, and I know you wouldn’t want to leave us with a mess.”
Alternatively, convey how much you value them and how meaningful it would be for them to create an Estate Planning Assessment. This ensures you have a recording of them as they are right now, before illness or incapacity enter the picture.
By adopting a vulnerable approach, they are likely to be more receptive to planning their assets intentionally and leaving a lasting legacy for their loved ones.
Enhancing Family Bonds
Beyond preserving a message for your loved ones, the Estate Planning Assessment is an opportunity to reconnect with forgotten moments and memories from your life.
In today’s fast-paced world, living in the moment can be challenging. However, by taking a moment to reflect on your life’s journey, you’ll remember all you’ve accomplished and wish to share with your loved ones – not just during the assessment, but every day.
Even after the assessment concludes, you may find yourself living with more intention and awareness of how you want to impart your values, insights, stories, and experiences on a daily basis. If a senior family member completes their Estate Planning Assessment, rest assured that regardless of what the future holds, you’ll always have a video capturing your loved one’s stories, hopes, jokes, and love.
Significance of Estate Planning
The Estate Planning Assessment is a valuable tool for seniors and their families, provided as a complimentary service for all estate planning clients, regardless of age. It’s an integral part of my comprehensive Life & Legacy Planning process, which transcends mere document creation to take a holistic approach in planning for a life you love and a legacy your loved ones will cherish forever.
At the heart of estate planning lies the understanding that your family’s most precious wealth isn’t money but the memories you create, the values you instill, and the lessons you pass down. Planning for your life and legacy ensures the preservation and protection of your family’s wealth for generations to come.
I believe that estate planning is an ongoing process, mirroring the continuous journey of life. Collaborating with an attorney who knows you and has a relationship with you ensures the effectiveness of your estate planning. It also provides the opportunity to record your values and wisdom in additional Estate Planning Assessments as life unfolds.
Whether expanding your family or enjoying retirement, I work with you to create a plan that evolves over time and adapts to changes in your life and family circumstances.
If you aspire to leave more than money to your loved ones and gift them with a treasure they will cherish for generations, please reach out. And if you have a senior loved one, contact me today to explore how I can assist them in planning their assets while capturing the love and memories they share with you.
This article is presented by Michelle Bell, an expert in estate planning and business succession services. Our office provides comprehensive legal support for businesses, assisting you in making informed decisions throughout your entrepreneurial journey and in planning for future contingencies. We also offer a specialized session where we review your business’s legal structures. To arrange this consultation, please click the following link: https://calendly.com/mcblawpllc/30min.
The information in this article is intended purely for educational and informational use and should not be considered as advice on ERISA, tax, legal, or investment matters. For advice specifically tailored to your unique situation, such advice should be sought independently from this educational content.