As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves busy planning trips and preparing to spend time with loved ones. While it’s an exciting time of year, the increased travel and holiday activity bring about risks and uncertainties. Whether you’re planning a big family gathering or heading out of town, now is the perfect time to ensure your estate plan is in place and up to date.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait until after the holidays to get started:
1. Travel Involves Risk and Uncertainty
The holiday season often means travel—whether by car, plane, or train—and with travel comes risk. No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but accidents happen. Having an estate plan in place offers protection for your loved ones in case the unexpected occurs while you’re away. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order and your family is taken care of, regardless of what happens on the road.
2. Focus on Family, Not Legal Worries
The holidays should be about enjoying time with family, not stressing over unresolved financial and legal matters. Without a solid estate plan, you may be distracted by concerns about what would happen to your assets, who would care for your children, or how your health care decisions would be handled in an emergency. By finalizing your estate plan before the holidays, you can fully enjoy the season with your loved ones, free from those nagging thoughts.
3. Avoid the Holiday Rush
The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas are often a mad dash to finalize travel plans, wrap up work projects, and get everything in order for the holiday season. Once things get busy, estate planning can fall to the bottom of your to-do list. Starting the process now means you won’t be caught up in the end-of-year rush, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you enter the holiday season and even the new year.
Common Concerns an Estate Plan Can Address:
- Who will care for my children if something happens to me?
- Your estate plan can designate a guardian for your children, so you’re not leaving this decision to the court.
- What happens to my home and assets?
- With a proper estate plan, you can make sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and even avoiding the delays and costs of probate if you create a living trust.
- Who will handle my health care decisions if I can’t?
- You can designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are respected in an emergency.
Don’t Wait—Act Now!
There’s no better time to finalize your estate plan than before the holiday season begins. At Windrose Law Center, we’re here to help you create a comprehensive plan that gives you peace of mind, so you can enjoy the holidays without worry. Don’t leave your family’s future up to chance—schedule a consultation today to get started on your estate plan.
Contact us today to ensure your estate plan is in place before the holidays!