A Holistic Approach to Estate Planning

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ESTATE PLANNING

FULLY COORDINATED TO OFFER YOU SIMPLICITY AND PEACE OF MIND

The last few weeks and months have been quite an adjustment for all and I hope, as of this writing, you and your loved ones are healthy and managing as best as the circumstances allow. I’ve put off writing this post because my gut told me that in these “uncertain times” it could be perceived that this is an attempt to leverage peoples’ misfortune. However, those of you who know me will appreciate that my motivations are to help support the people in my community. The fact is that prior to the Time of Corona I was actively developing a road map for estate planning. The vision was to develop a coordinated effort with other service providers to offer our clients a simple and holistic approach to managing their estate.

Estate planning is not simply about putting your mind at ease and attempting to ensure your wishes after you die. It is a tool for giving direction and making life easier for your family and loved ones. This planning begins with a will and trusts, a power of attorney and a health care directive. But a comprehensive plan integrates input from your financial advisor, considerations for your real estate, identifying a long-term care strategy and provider, an understanding of smart insurance tools and, ultimately, making provisions for your end of life arrangements. I have spent the past several months building a network of established and trusted professionals to help provide you resources and build a holistic approach for your estate planning.

This initiative of creating an estate planning collaborative arose out of two unfortunate events. In the past six months I’ve been called to the hospital bed side at the very last moment with a request to draft, edit or execute estate and insurance documents. Due to the late stage of life it was very difficult for various reasons such as:

• Can the person understand the document?

• Are they competent to sign the document?

• Will the beneficiary changes be recognized by an insurance company?

• Is the person under the duress of another?

There is a rich field of litigation in these questions. Not only do these, along with many other important questions arise, but it places an undue burden on loved ones at a time of great emotional distress. These are all matters which are better avoided and can be if you plan and build relationships ahead of time. I appreciate the many reasons people put off estate planning, but the fact is it will put you at ease and relieve your family and loved ones from completely unnecessary stress when they can only focus on mourning.

There are a plethora of considerations unique in every person and family’s life. If you would like to discuss them and plan for them, schedule an online meeting or telephone conference Please call the office or email me at wpb@williambrogley.com. Through my efforts and those of the many other professionals I work with you will have a fully coordinated estate plan and peace of mind.