As an attorney, homeowner, wife, and mom of two little ones (plus so much more), this question really resonates with me. My initial reaction as a determined, self-sufficient person is a big, glaring "NO ONE." This is not true of course. I know who my village is. I know who is and would be there for me and for my family in hard times, I know who would help me manage my medical decisions and care, I know who would help with my finances, I know who I would trust to care for my children if I couldn't, and I know who will take care of my estate when I am gone.
You probably wear many different "hats" too. You also probably already know who your village is. Yet, so many people don't put this in writing so their village can actually help them if and when the time comes. Instead, they put off these big and sometimes difficult conversations until later pretending that time is on their sides. I share in not wanting to think about these difficult scenarios, but I also know just how critical it is to have estate planning documents in place.
As I prepared to have each of my babies, I dusted off my documents and put together a plan of action for my husband and family in the event that my deliveries didn't go well. My family and friends rolled their eyes at me. Having a baby is usually a joyous time and it was for me too, but the last thing I wanted to leave on their plates was unnecessary confusion and completely avoidable complications. The point is that these documents aren't just for the wealthy, the complicated, the grandparents...they are for the young parents, the avid travelers, the middle-aged individuals and families, the 18 year old off to college in the fall, the soon-to-be retirees, the fur baby moms and dads, and anyone else that may face times of crisis, or may need to lean on others to help us at one time or another. Here's the thing about that - that's all of us. We aren't afforded the luxury of knowing who will face illness, crisis, incapacity, or just simply need help.
Now is the time to put together your estate planning documents and give your village the tools to help you. I encourage you to forward this blog to friends and family that have been putting off their own estate planning as well. To schedule an appointment, please call 267-625-8877 or book online at bartonestatelaw.com/appointment.
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