Estate planning involves many critical steps to ensure that the probate court follows a planner’s wishes. Of course, probate consists of executing a will, and other documents, such as power of attorney or a healthcare proxy, and these can be part of such planning. You may be putting documents together for the first time or revising current documents. Whether you are just beginning or are further along, the holidays may be a suitable time to engage in the estate planning process.
Holiday estate planning
During the holiday season, friends and family may be booked for many events that take up much time. However, the holidays might deliver more free time, thanks to seasonal vacations or closed offices. Such free time may not be accessible during other months, so an estate planner might use that time to perform estate planning duties not completed during the rest of the year.
Using holiday time to read and review estate planning documents might result in making necessary changes. For example, seeing one’s newborn grandchildren during the holidays may prompt someone to add them to a will. Others might acknowledge how many relatives passed on over the years, and such sentiments can move someone to draw up a will.
Moving forward with estate plans
The holiday season allows planners to meet with their relatives and beneficiaries. Estate planning need not be a solo event. A planner might discuss their concerns with their beneficiaries when everyone is gathering together. Talking about estate plans does not only have to involve conversations about writing documents and making revisions. A planner might tell beneficiaries where critical documents are located, such as a list of all accounts and information related to taxes and debts.
Careful reflections on estate planning might sway someone to feel a trust would be preferable to a will. Others may reflect on the need for a living will.