ESTATE PLANNING IS A GIFT FROM THE HEART

This is the month we celebrate Valentine’s Day. There has been a push over many years now to eschew the more material trappings of this day-the roses, the box of chocolates, the last minute, poorly thought-out jewelry purchases. Well, I’ve got a better idea. The gift I’m talking about is from the heart. The impact of this gift can last generations, and it can also provide for your loved ones even after you’re gone.

My friend, it’s time to think about your affairs. No, not that kind. I’m talking about your estate planning. It’s time to get your affairs in order. What better gift than to take care of those you love most while you’re alive and capable - give them the gift that shows you really care. Trust me when I tell you that most folks don’t think of the inside of an attorney’s office as the most romantic spot. I can’t believe it either. But I can attest that I see examples of love in action in my office, all the time. I have seen spouses heroically shouldering the burden of caring for their spouse as they begin the process of decline due to dementia or ill health. I have seen parents lovingly consider what impacts they will leave on their children when their time has come. I have seen folks arrange for the care of others in their lives because an illness has robbed them of a future together. I’ve seen the courageous and the devastated. And I’ve seen the most selfless acts of love - a parent with a terminal diagnosis who despite the fatigue of pain, treatment, and the realization of the inevitable, sit with me to dictate notes to her children explaining her hopes and dreams for them, hoping to preserve the legacy of love she had for them.

No matter if you’re single, engaged, married, or whether you have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or fur babies. It matters how you set up your affairs. Taking the burden from someone to arrange your estate plan in advance is one of the most loving gifts you can give another. Shouldering that responsibility is a selfless act of kindness and love. Set aside the good kinds of surprises for your family after you’re gone and not chaos and a mess because you’ve left it undone and up to chance. Your family deserves better. And so do you. Mark the testament of your life with purpose. Make a stand and choose for yourself. The state has its plan for you if you don’t. Guaranteed. When you’ve joined the ranks of those who have made that decision to protect their loved ones, you’ve seized the moment in time to provide your family with a way forward.

Estate planning is more than simply planning how your estate should be distributed, it’s a plan that allows you to leave your special memories behind - to ensure your legacy and love will carry on. What greater act of love is this, I ask you? My office, this attorney’s office, is often a sacred space where I see examples of love and grace on a regular basis. How lucky am I? On this Valentine’s Day, give the gift of love and take that first step. I’m here when you need the help. And a Happy Valentine’s Day to my sweetheart, Nathan. I love you.