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Moving Forward with Family Planning

Gene Kirzhner Jan. 5, 2017

Family planning is one of the most important steps that a father, mother, or spouse can take. Unfortunately, many people start to think about how they want their assets to be distributed after their death only once they feel like they’re reaching the end of life. As a result, the family planning process is often rushed and incomplete. The key is to start early and cover all your bases. Here are some strategies for moving forward with family planning effectively.

Name Your Heirs

A big part of why family planning is necessary is to ensure the right people get the right assets after your death. If these beneficiaries are not carefully defined, it is possible that your assets will be distributed by the courts. Start thinking about who you want to include and how you want to include them. That list may include just a few names or dozens. The longer you have to think about planning, the more confident you can be that no one important is overlooked.

Identify Your Assets

Your estate is probably larger and more complex than you realize. One of the essential parts of the family planning process is to sit down and consider the contents of your estate. There is likely property like a home or car. You may have a pension or a stake in a business to pass on. There may be family heirlooms or sentimental items that you want specific people to have. Early family planning helps to eliminate many conflicts over assets later on.

Think Before and After

Family planning covers more than just your wishes after your death. It should also cover the time leading up to your death when you may be unable to make important decisions for yourself. Illness and injury can happen unexpectedly. And when they do, there can be a lot of confusion and fighting among family. Family planning that makes provisions for if you are incapacitated is the prudent solution.

If you are ready to get serious about family planning, make sure the process is as thorough as it needs to be by contacting The Law Offices of Howe & Garside.