The more you can do to get a comprehensive estate plan in place, get organized, and communicate your wishes, the greater the burden you remove from your loved ones shoulders. All tasks are easier, if youre alive and well, providing guidance.
Remove a Burden by Communicating with Loved Ones
Communication with loved ones often provides a challenge, but will definitely have benefits, including removing a burden and best ensuring that your wishes are carried out.
Let your loved ones know:
- If you will be naming them in a role of trusted helper (i.e. executor, trustee, power of attorney agent, or guardian.) In other words, ask first.
- Where you keep your estate planning documents and other important papers.
- If youve included anything unexpected in your estate plan.
- Your wishes for burial/cremation and final arrangements.
- Whether you wish to be an organ donor.
- If you have a living will and want to avoid medical heroics, intubation, and life support machines if you are in an end-stage medical condition.
- That you love and appreciate them.
Remove a Burden with Up-to-Date Estate Planning Documents
Estate planning documents are a set of instructions for your loved ones to follow should you become incapacitated and when you die. Having your wishes in writing saves your loved ones money, time, and hassle. It also better ensures that your wishes will actually be carried out.
If your estate plan is more than three to five years old or if your life has significantly changed since you updated, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney for good legal advice as well as practical advice on how to remove a burden from loved ones shoulders.
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