By Attorney Rebecca S. Spinner, Esq.
Love is in the air this February, but did you know that taking care of your loved ones extends far beyond a box of chocolates? February, aptly named “Feel Good” month, is the perfect time to embrace self-love and secure your future with a comprehensive estate plan.
While estate planning might seem daunting, it’s a gift you give yourself and your loved ones – a clear roadmap for navigating life’s uncertainties with peace of mind. Here are just five of the many reasons why February is the ideal month to embark on this empowering journey:
1. Avoid Family Conflict and Misunderstandings: Life throws curveballs, and sometimes they can inadvertently land on our most cherished relationships. Having a solid estate plan in place acts as a crystal-clear guide, eliminating confusion and potential conflict about your wishes, goals, and desires. You’ll spare your loved ones from the emotional and legal complexities of having to guess at your true wishes, allowing them to grieve and adjust without burden.
2. Protect Your Assets: Let’s face it, you’ve worked hard for what you have. An estate plan ensures your assets – your home, investments, treasured heirlooms – are distributed according to your wishes, not by chance or legal default. This safeguards your legacy and empowers you to choose who receives what, minimizing the risk of unwanted outcomes, such as unnecessary taxes, family fighting, and court involvement.
3. Choose Your Loved Ones’ Guardian: If you have minor or disabled children, your estate plan allows you to designate a guardian who will care for them with the same love and values that you instill. This provides invaluable emotional security for your children during a difficult time, knowing they’ll be nurtured by someone you trust implicitly.
4. Make Medical Decisions Easy: Life comes with its share of surprises, and sometimes those surprises can affect our health. By including living wills and healthcare directives in your estate plan, you ensure your medical wishes will be honored. This empowers you to control your care, sparing your loved ones from agonizing decisions during potentially overwhelming times, and minimizes the family tension that can sometimes arise.
5. Feel Empowered and Secure: There’s a reason “peace of mind” is so highly prized. Creating your estate plan doesn’t just benefit your loved ones, it’s a gift to yourself! By proactively addressing your future, you gain a sense of control and security, knowing your affairs are in order regardless of what life throws your way.
So, this February, embrace the spirit of “Feel Good” and prioritize your long-term well-being. Contacting an experienced estate planning and elder law firm can be the first step towards securing your future and giving yourself the gift of peace of mind. Remember, taking care of your loved ones starts with taking care of yourself. Make this February the month you prioritize your future and ensure a legacy of love and clarity for yourself and those you cherish.
©Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. 35 Arnold Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, 336 South Street, Hyannis MA 02601 and 45 Bristol Drive, Easton MA 02375. This article is for illustration purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice. There is no attorney/client relationship created with Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. by this article. DO NOT make decisions based upon information in this article. Every family is unique and legal advice can only be given after an individual consultation with an elder law attorney. Any decisions made without proper legal advice may cause significant legal and financial problems.