Is your life legacy protected?
Estate Planning Awareness Week is a great reminder to ensure your Will, health care directives and and other important documents are in place. While the process may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Resources like FreeWill offer a free, simple way to create a basic will, making it an accessible first step for many.
However, it's important to understand that online tools may not be enough if you have goals for blended families, tax planning, special needs beneficiaries, and charitable giving. Probate courts are filled with cases where families are left to sort out unfinished plans. When there’s no Will or proper estate planning, significant problems can arise. Family businesses can fall apart, assets can get eaten up by legal fees, and relationships often suffer. Without clear instructions, your wishes could be lost, leaving loved ones to deal with the emotional and financial fallout.
Take Prince, for example. When he died without a Will, it triggered years of legal fights over his estate, major tax issues, and disagreements over managing his music. His story is a clear reminder of how crucial it is to have an estate plan, no matter who you are, to avoid unnecessary drama and ensure your legacy is protected.
That’s why Estate Planning Awareness Week was established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008—to raise awareness about these very issues. More than half of Americans still don’t have a Will, leaving their families vulnerable to court decisions that may not reflect what they truly wanted. Without a plan, the courts take over, and the process can be long, painful, and costly—not just financially, but in terms of strained family relationships and lost peace of mind.
Proper estate planning ensures your legacy is protected, your assets go where you want them to, and your loved ones avoid unnecessary stress. Free online tools are a good starting point, but working with an attorney can help you create a more complete plan that covers all the bases. Why not use this Estate Planning Awareness Week as the perfect time to take control of your future?
