… there’s a way
for you to decide who will be appointed guardian of your most precious asset.

… there’s a way
for you to take the stress off of your family by deciding ahead of time what your wishes are for yourself.

… there’s a way
for you to set up a trust that would leave financial stability for your kids with specific rules and guidelines for their financial future.

… there’s a way
to ensure your pets will be taken care of.

… there’s a way
to pass along your stories, values and beliefs.

Now that your spring chick has hatched, it’s time to start thinking about the circle of life. If you’re like many first-time baby-makers, you’ve started thinking about creating your will. Sadly, these thoughts are so overwhelming for some that it doesn’t get done. Here are some tips to ease you into the most important and loving thing that you can do for your growing family.

Written by Jodi E. Murphy

1. PLAN FOR DEATH & LIFE
   Don’t forget that the estate planning process is about more than what happens when you die. It’s also about planning for the “what ifs” during your lifetime. What if you are incapacitated and can’t consent to medical procedures? What if you are on vacation and need someone to access your passport, which is in your safe deposit box? What if your child gets sick while he is with a caregiver (i.e., grandma and grandpa)? Do you want them to have the ability to make medical decisions if you are unavailable? What if you own a business and get sick — who will make critical business decisions while you are incapacitated? An estate planner can help you think through the “what ifs” and draft legal documents tailored to your specific needs.
2. DON’T BE SCARED
   Making hard decisions that are also hypothetical is a bit overwhelming. Can you even imagine how diffi cult it would be for your loved ones to have to make those decisions for you? Rest assured that any decision you make today will be better than NOT making one. Your will and other estate planning documents can be revised at any time; you don’t have to feel locked in to any choices you make today. As parents, you plan everything for your kids — from birthday parties, to play dates, to where they will go to school. If you’re worried your choices are going to hurt some feelings, you can write personal letters with your reasons for your decisions and keep the letters in a sealed envelope, along with your estate planning package.
3. KEEP IT CONFIDENTIAL
   Your first thoughts might be to ask or tell those whom you have appointed guardians of your children, so they are clear on your wishes and are accepting of your decision. This is not recommended in every situation. As your children get older, you may change your mind about who would be best suited to act as guardian. If you do, a conversation with the original choice may be uncomfortable and c ause unnecessary family strife. To avoid this situation, keep your choice confidential. If your choice of guardian can’t take on the job, you’ll be able to list alternatives. When you are choosing an appropriate guardian for your children, keep in mind that person’s family values, ethics, location, relationship to your child AND financial resources.
4. LEAVE YOUR LEGACY
   The act of creating your will doesn’t all have to be legal mumbo jumbo and painstaking decisions. Estate planning also includes passing on a living legacy. While traditional legal documents distribute your assets at your death, an ethical will passes on your hopes, values, beliefs and family traditions through heartfelt keepsakes, such as written letters or recorded audio CDs to your loved ones. As part of the Legacy Planning process, attorneys may offer clients the opportunity to capture on audio CDs priceless conversations on a range of topics — including your wisdom, your values, stories, the meaning of success and the meaning of money — which are turned into beautiful keepsake packages to be included with your estate planning documents.

DO YOU HAVE THESE DOCUMENTS?

The basic estate planning documents that all parents need to protect themselves and their families include:

• Last Will & Testament (including Testamentary Trust if children are minors)
• Living Will
• Power of Attorney
• Health Care Surrogate
• Health Care Surrogate for children
• HIPAA release