Holiday Checklist: Why Estate Planning Belongs at the Top

As you prepare for holiday travel, no doubt your to-do list is packed with tasks like booking flights and planning family activities. But one important item often overlooked is creating an estate plan. Now is the perfect time to make sure your legal and financial matters are in order before you leave.

If something unexpected happens while you’re away—whether it’s an illness, injury, or worse—your family could be left to deal with significant legal complications in addition to their grief.

Take, for example, the tragic story of the Barber family from Southern California. While on a road trip to Arizona, mom, dad, and their three boys were involved in a terrible car accident. The parents tragically passed away, and though the children survived, they were injured and left in the care of strangers while authorities worked to locate any relatives.

It took days for the authorities to contact a family member, during which time the boys were in protective custody. When their aunt was finally located, she took the boys into her home, but refused to let other family members see them. What followed was a long, drawn-out legal battle that involved seven lawyers and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention the emotional toll on the family.

All of this could have been avoided with a little planning. Mom and Dad should have had wills legally nominating guardians for their minor kids. Unfortunately, now we’ll never know who they would have picked.

How to Protect Your Loved Ones

Before the holidays, take the time to create an estate plan that covers all the important aspects of your life—your assets, your children’s care, and your personal wishes. At least eight weeks before your departure, schedule a Peace of Mind Planning Session with us. During this session, we’ll help you organize your finances, make informed decisions, and create a personalized plan that reflects your needs and values. Book your Peace of Mind Planning Session HERE