It is never easy to cope with a loved one’s passing. Emotions are high, and people may act differently than usual due to their uncertainty and grief. Although this is often an incredibly difficult time, the family of the deceased is usually tasked with making dozens of decisions in the aftermath, related to funeral arrangements, finances, property, and much more. Making those decisions can be difficult, and it can also cause plenty of tension and wounded feelings.

To avoid some of this fallout, it is wise to plan.

Why Create an Estate Plan

In my experience as a financial advisor, thorough estate planning is one of the greatest gifts a person can leave their family. When someone’s wishes are clear and comprehensive, it can ease the burden on the family and prevent disputes. Having a will, power of attorney, and other estate planning documents in place ensures that the deceased’s assets are distributed according to their wishes. This can provide clarity and closure during an otherwise chaotic time. Additionally, thorough estate planning can minimize the tax burden on the family and protect their financial interests.

At my financial advisory firm, our estate planning goes beyond finances and involves many other planning decisions. This could include the content of the obituary (and where to publish it), the location and type of funeral service, which songs to feature at the service, personal letters to family members, and more. All these decisions are part of our estate planning and are filed in one place, so the family is clear on the deceased’s wishes.

A comprehensive approach helps alleviate the burden on the family during an already difficult time. By planning ahead, individuals can ensure their final wishes are honored and their loved ones are cared for.

Start Planning Early

Although it can be tough to dive into estate planning if you’re relatively young and healthy, I encourage everyone to start early. If you have dependents, where would they go if the unthinkable happens? If you were to pass away suddenly, would your assets be distributed according to your wishes? These are important questions to consider, and the earlier you plan, the more control you’ll have over the process.

It is practical (and smart) to start early, lay out a thorough plan, and update that plan every few years or if a major life change occurs. At my financial planning firm, we periodically check in with our people to see if their estate plans need to be updated. This allows us to ensure their wishes are current and their loved ones will be taken care of.

If a plan is not in place, the aftermath can be messy, tumultuous, or painful for the family. Too often, I have heard horror stories about people neglecting to draw up a will, specify their financial arrangements, or outline their final wishes. This can lead to bitter disputes among family members, unnecessary taxes and fees, and an outcome that may not reflect the deceased’s true desires. By contrast, a well-crafted estate plan can provide peace of mind, financial security, and the knowledge that one’s legacy will be honored. I strongly encourage everyone to prioritize this important task and ensure their loved ones are cared for in the way they intend.

Final Thoughts

While it may be uncomfortable to think about, estate planning is something that can make a profound difference for your family during a difficult time. By taking the time to plan, you can provide clarity, closure, and financial protection for the people you care about most.

Estate planning is a gift that can make all the difference in how your family navigates the grieving process and manages the practical matters that follow.

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