Five Ways to Proactively Protect Your Loved Ones
Ever wonder where the expression “burying your head in the sand” originated? Well, it comes from the belief that ostriches put their heads in the sand to hide from predators, under the assumption that if they can’t see the danger, it won’t see them. Truth is, that’s a myth.
But guess who does bury their head in the sand? You and me - every time we refuse to take proactive steps to protect our loved ones and preserve our legacies.
Death and/or incapacity is inevitable. But when we face it with our eyes, hearts, and minds wide open, we create peace for ourselves and our loved ones. Here are five things you can do to protect your family no matter what life brings:
Work with an attorney to create a life and legacy plan that will work when you and your family need it most. Enduring legacies don’t happen by accident. And they’re not effective when cobbled together haphazardly. Lasting legacies are the product of proactive planning and careful attention to detail.
Ensure that your plan reflects your current situation. Effective estate planning should not be a one and done experience. That’s why we meet with our clients once every three years to conduct a free review of their plans and make sure that they account for changes in the law, shifts in family structure, and more.
Read and understand your plan. It’s critical that you know exactly how your plan works. That’s why we encourage you to ask as many questions and provide as much information as necessary to make sure that your plan accurately reflects your intentions and values. And because we charge on a flat fee basis, you’ll never have to worry about any additional costs.
Talk about your life and legacy plan with your loved ones, and make sure they know where to find it in the event of an emergency. The death or incapacity of a loved one is difficult enough. Give your loved ones the space to grieve and heal without having to simultaneously navigate complex legal and financial systems.
Set aside time to think about how you want to be remembered. You’re living your legacy each day, one that will reverberate for generations and shape the outcome for both your descendants and the broader world. Make this time count.
We’d be honored to help you protect your loved ones and make sure they are provided for, no matter what. Schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session today to get started.
This article is a service of Cedar Counsel. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love.