How to Include Your Caregiver in Your Estate Plan

As we grow older, caregivers often become more than just helpers—they become trusted companions who provide comfort, support, and daily care. Whether your caregiver is a family member or a professional who has been by your side for years, you may wish to thank them in a meaningful way through your estate plan.

Including a caregiver in your estate plan is a thoughtful gesture, but it’s important to do so carefully to ensure your wishes are clear and legally sound.

Why You Might Want to Include a Caregiver

Caregivers often take on demanding responsibilities—physically, emotionally, and sometimes financially. Recognizing their dedication by including them in your estate plan can help ensure they’re supported and appreciated for the care they’ve provided.

Options for Including a Caregiver

There are several ways to leave something to your caregiver:

Monetary Gifts or Bequests: A lump sum or percentage of your estate can be left to your caregiver through a will or trust.
Personal Property: If you’d like them to have something specific—a vehicle, furniture, or sentimental item—you can include that in your plan.
Trusts: Establishing a trust can provide ongoing financial support and can be structured to minimize disputes or tax implications.
Beneficiary Designations: You can name your caregiver as a beneficiary on a bank account, retirement account, or life insurance policy.
Caregiver Agreement: If care is ongoing, a formal personal services contract can ensure fair compensation now and provide documentation for future reference.

Protecting Your Intentions

Including a caregiver in your estate plan may raise questions from other beneficiaries, especially if the gift is significant. To prevent misunderstandings or legal challenges:

Document everything clearly in your estate plan
Consider adding a letter explaining your decision
Make updates while you are of sound mind—some even obtain a letter of competency from their physician

Important Note

Planning to include your caregiver in your estate plan? Proceed with caution.

Many states place increased scrutiny on gifts or inheritances left to caregivers—especially non-relatives—to guard against undue influence or coercion. Without proper legal guidance, your wishes could be challenged or even invalidated.

Don’t leave it to chance. Call us today at (470) 235-7868 to ensure your estate plan is structured to honor your intentions and comply with state law.

We’ll help you protect what matters most—your loved ones, your caregiver, and your peace of mind.

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!

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