Do not leave a mess after you die.
Dying is a fact of life.
You will eventually pass away.
Once you are gone, the world will most likely continue to turn.
A recent Forbes article pointedly asks “What Will Really Happen After You Depart?”
As the article stresses, you really should care what happens and make proper plans in advance.
Why?
If you leave a mess, your loved ones will have to deal with it.
You will want to leave a legacy of organization and forethought.
The first step is to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to create an estate plan for your specific circumstances.
It does not end there.
You will want to organize all of your relevant legal and financial documents for starters.
How do you go about doing this?
You can start by creating a guidebook.
One of my clients calls his the "Ted is Dead" notebook.
What are some things it should contain?
Be sure your family knows where to find your advance health care directives are in case you are hospitalized.
You should keep your legal and insurance documents secure and share their location with family.
Your financial agent should also know how to access your bank accounts.
A guardian should be selected for your minor children and informed of his or her role.
You should provide written instruction concerning any "last wishes" you may have for your earthly remains and any associated gathering of your loved ones.
If you have pets, you should arrange for their care.
Address all of the above topics in your guide.
Communication is key.
Talk with your loved ones about your wishes so they are not caught off guard.
Having everything in order for when you pass away will allow them to grieve healthily and avoid unhealthy conflicts.
Reference: Forbes (September 13, 2018) “What Will Really Happen After You Depart?”
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