Estate planning is something lots of people avoid, but it’s an important step in preserving family harmony after you’re gone. One of the most tragic things about the death of a parent is that amidst all the sadness, their families can often be torn apart by bitter arguments about settling the estate. That’s why it’s best for a parent to make those decisions before the end of life, to leave no doubt about what your wishes are.
Here are some steps you can take to make sure everyone is clear about what you want.
- Discuss estate planning in advance with your loved ones. Get it all out in the open: explain your desires, and let everyone know exactly what your reasons are for your decisions. This is the time when you can ask for input from your heirs (although you still have the final say).
- If you have minor children, designate guardians for them. Contact these people to discuss your plans with them. If the children are old enough to understand, explain why you have selected that person or persons for guardianship.
- If you want to share your thoughts and emotions, do so. Some people like to leave a letter, or perhaps a video, with a final message, or perhaps some words of wisdom.
- You may want to make special gifts. If there is an item that has special meaning for a certain person, you should specify that you want him or her to receive it after you’re gone.
Proper estate planning avoids problems later on. If you need expert advice about estate planning, contact Susan Grissom at Grissom Law, LLC at 678-781- 9230 or email us at sgrissom@grissomlawfirm.com to schedule an appointment.
Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and Grissom Law, LLC.