How Can I Help Prepare My Loved Ones for My Passing?

 Posted on June 08, 2023 in Estate Planning

Thinking about our own mortality is understandably something most of us would rather avoid. However, one of the best ways you can lessen the burden of your passing on your loved ones is to prepare them for it. This can involve having conversations about long-term care, end-of-life planning, estate plans, and your final wishes.

Help Your Loved Ones By Being Organized

Having important documents organized and in one place (such as a will, medical directives, and insurance policies) can make the process of settling your affairs much easier. You can also help your loved ones by writing down a list of important contacts for them to have on hand in case of an emergency. This can include your attorney, financial or tax advisors, insurance agents, and healthcare providers.

Be Open & Honest About Your Wishes

It’s important to be open and honest with your loved ones about your wishes for end-of-life care. Not only will this help make the process easier for them, but it will also provide them with a greater understanding of your wishes and values. Discussing things like funeral arrangements, memorial services, and other matters of personal preference can help provide closure for your loved ones.

Ensure Your Estate Plans Are Set Up Correctly

A will is the foundation of most estate plans. However, there are many other estate planning documents you should consider using to distribute assets to beneficiaries. For example, living trusts are useful for avoiding probate, managing and distributing assets, and keeping asset transfers out of public view. When you set up a living trust, you can designate yourself as the trustee and name a successor trustee who will take over management of the trust if you become incapacitated or pass away. You can designate yourself as a beneficiary of the trust and name another beneficiary to receive the remainder of your assets upon your death. This can be a useful way to ensure that you and your family have access to funds for long-term care and other needs.

Explain Your Plans and Wishes Clearly

Your loved ones should understand the details of your estate and other plans. Explain them to your family in a gentle and compassionate manner, so that they do not feel overwhelmed or scared. Make sure that your loved ones have a clear understanding of the plans you have put in place for them, and ensure they have access to the resources needed to carry out your wishes.

Contact our Fort Worth, Texas Estate Planning Lawyers

Our skilled Fort Worth estate planning attorneys can help you set up a comprehensive estate plan. Call 817-349-7330 for a free initial consultation.

Source:

https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/estate-planning/602219/estate-planning-checklist-5-tasks-to-do-now-while-youre-still