Plan your own passing
The greatest gift you can give your family is a plan. Every hour you spend on this now saves your family ten hours of grief, conflict, and legal fees later.
What you need and why
Names your executor, distributes your assets, and names a guardian for minor children. Without it, the state decides all of this.
Avoids probate entirely, keeps your estate private, and makes asset transfer faster and cheaper for your family.
Names someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. Without it, your family needs a court order — expensive and slow.
Names someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. Every adult needs one of these regardless of age or health.
Documents your wishes for end-of-life medical care so your family doesn't have to guess — or fight.
Life insurance, 401(k), IRA — these pass OUTSIDE your will to whoever is named as beneficiary. Review and update them now.
The four conversations to have now
Documents cover what happens legally. These conversations cover what happens relationally — which is where most damage occurs.
Your executor cannot do their job if they cannot find your documents. Create a 'Letter of Instruction' that lists every account, every document, and where to find them.
What you want for your personal property, your home, your sentimental items. Not legally binding — but it prevents 90% of conflict.
Do not surprise them. Ask first, explain what it involves, and make sure they are willing and able.
After every major life event: marriage, divorce, death of a beneficiary, birth of a child. These trump your will.
Start with the checklist
Download the free Family Estate Readiness Checklist — 47 things to do, say, find, and decide. Works whether you're planning ahead or starting too late.
No spam. One email with the checklist, then occasional updates.