I’ve met with people who’ve been diligent in creating a plan and memorializing their final wishes, yet have not communicated where these documents might be found. This oversight can be especially worrisome because loved ones don’t often search for documents until after a funeral. Without documents outlining final disposition, conflicts can arise between family members as to what a parent or loved one would have wanted. After a funeral, problems can continue if you’ve not left a current list of assets or the location of important documents. Leaving your loved ones a “map” will help guide them after you’re gone.
A map is a tool used to get from one point to another- a tool used to prevent getting lost. Leaving directions or guidelines as to your burial or funeral wishes is like leaving a map for your loved ones. By providing directions to those left behind, you’ve reduced a burden. There is no wondering whether something is as you’d have wished, no second-guessing, and the chance for conflict is most likely eliminated.
Providing a list of current assets should be another part of your “map.” The person whom you’ve charged with settling things after you’ve gone will need to know what to collect for distribution. By leaving a current list of assets, and clearing out all outdated statements, contracts, and policies, you will make that task much easier. Ensuring that the person you’ve named knows where to access your estate plan and your “map” is of equal importance.
One of the greatest gifts you can give a loved one is the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re carrying out your true wishes. Leaving a “map” not only ensures this, it relieves a great burden during a difficult time. Call for an appointment with a Morris Hall attorney today; we are happy to review your plans with you.
Contributed by Morris Hall PLLC Phoenix and Prescott Estate Planning Attorney, Andrea L. Claus.
At Morris Hall, PLLC we have focused our legal practice on estate planning for over 45 years. Along with estate planning, our attorneys help clients and their families with matters of probate, trust administration, wills, power of attorneys, business planning, succession planning, legacy planning, charitable gifting and other important legal aspects. We also have divisions in financial, real estate and accounting to help you incorporate all of your planning together, ensuring that everything works perfectly for your needs and situation. Our Arizona offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Carefree, Tucson, Oro Valley, Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff and Arrowhead. Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment!
This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.
- What You Need to Know about the Arizona Probate Process - September 7, 2017
- Contingency Day Checklist - October 27, 2016
- Make Things Easier for Those Left Behind: Leave a “Map” - March 29, 2016
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