Get Your Estate Plan in Shape: A New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep
by Keri Henley, GJK Attorney

January 5, 2024

Eat healthier. Exercise more. Lose weight. We’ve all made those resolutions, knowing we will forget all about them at the first sight of King Cake and Valentine’s candy. But making an estate plan is a resolution you can keep and one that will give you peace of mind, no matter what 2024 may bring. The tips below will help you get started.

Set Goals

Think about what you want to accomplish with your estate plan. For parents of young children, your primary goal may be to ensure the care of your children by establishing a trust and naming a guardian. For single adults, the goal may be to name an organization or individual you would like to inherit your estate. Your goals will help determine what documents you need to finalize your estate plan. 

Work on Your Core

For a solid estate plan, you will need several core documents, including a will, power of attorney, and medical directive. A will ensures that your wishes regarding the distribution of your property and the guardianship of your children are carried out. A power of attorney allows someone you trust to make financial and/or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated. A medical directive establishes what lifesaving or life-sustaining measures are to be employed if you are unable to communicate. While it may be possible to draft these documents yourself, you risk making a mistake that could make them invalid. Working with an attorney to finalize your plan is the safer route. We offer a flat fee for basic estate plans, so our clients know the cost up front. 

Maintenance Matters 

Once your plan is complete, don’t let your hard work go to waste. Keep the original documents in a safe place. You will also want to let your loved ones know how to access the documents. Finally, review your documents every few years, or after any major life change (i.e., divorce, death of spouse), to see if any updates are necessary. 

This year, let your resolution be your legacy. 

For more information about wills and estate planning, contact our team at info@gayjoneslaw.com.