Give Your Loved Ones The Kindest Gift Of All

How is creating an estate plan the kindest gift of all?

Each year, as the holiday season approaches, we start thinking about gifts that will delight our loved ones. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving, of course, is referred to as Black Friday. This day sees millions of people stampeding stores. All are trying to get the most popular items at the best prices for their gift recipients. I say forget the lines and don’t even think about what is trending on gift lists this year. Instead, I have a suggestion for a single gift that will benefit all your loved ones… What is this all-inclusive magical gift? It’s not a shiny new car, nor is it a strand of rare jewels, nor is it an amazing trip. Very simply, it is a well thought out and created estate plan. The benefits of this single gift – creating an estate plan – will live long after you have departed.

Yet, creating an estate plan prevents frustration after your passing. It also makes your intentions regarding distribution of your assets clear. Possibly, limiting family drama. It also takes the burden off your loved ones. Your care can be handled the way you want it and assets transferred quickly.

When Creating an Estate Plan – This Is A Gift Customized For Each Of Your Loved Ones

Creating an estate plan involves developing a comprehensive, customized plan to help transfer your assets upon your death. If you own any valuable assets including a house, a car, or a bank account, you need an estate plan. If there are people who depend on you, you need an estate plan in place. Your loved ones will not be tasked with having to make important end-of-life decisions on your behalf. Your desires will be elaborated in your estate plan, and you will have an assigned executor to make sure your wishes are carried out. (Even if you are single with no dependents, an estate plan will ensure that you get to choose what happens to you and your possessions instead of the state making these decisions.)

Most People Would Love To Receive This Gift

As one of the most powerful and important set of documents, the sad news is that only 33% of U.S. adults have created estate plan documents. Those who do make the effort do so to make things as easy as possible for their loved ones after their passing. It’s interesting to note that 66% of Americans who dealt with a serious case of COVID-19 are more likely to have an estate plan than those not seriously affected.

We hear about the chaos that often ensues when famous people die without having an estate plan. And we all probably know someone who passed unexpectedly due to an accident or sudden illness without having created an estate plan. Perhaps you’ve experienced the heartache of having someone you love pass without having an estate plan. You wouldn’t want your loved ones to go through what you went through. This is the time to act.

Give my office a call at 404-370-0696 if you’re thinking about creating an estate plan and let’s make sure your loved ones will not be burdened with making difficult end of life decisions for you because you procrastinated.

A well thought out and drafted estate plan may not be the most glamorous gift, but it is the kindest gift.

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!