I recently ran across this article on Forbes.com entitled “12 Financial Resolutions for 2012.” The article has a good list of financial-based goals that every family should focus on for 2012. And I’m very happy to see that they list estate planning right near the top (#2 to be exact)!
As a Grand Rapids, MI wills and trusts attorney I’m pleasantly surprised to see estate planning on the list . . . especially near the top where it belongs. Why am I surprised (even if it’s pleasantly)? Well, the article alludes to it when it says that it is “notoriously easy to procrastinate” on an estate plan. Most folks don’t think about it or put it off, sometimes until it is too late! I believe that is, in part, because estate planning doesn’t receive much press . . . or at least not much positive press.
The article also makes a point that folks close to me have heard over and over and over: “you never know when [you] might need [an estate plan, including] an advance healthcare directive, durable powers of attorney, and a will and/or trust.” Fortunately or unfortunately, estate planning is really the only area of law that we can’t get away from – one day we will pass on from this life. Like the article says, we don’t know when that will be, so it’s best to put a plan in pace now. It will give you some serious added peace of mind . . . trust me.
Head on over and read the article, as there are many other great suggestions. Make sure to share your thoughts here on the blog by way of comment below. And give us a call at 616-827-7596 to schedule your Peace of Mind Planning Session and have added peace of mind knowing you have a caring plan in place for your family.
Michael Lichterman is an estate planning and business planning attorney who helps families and business owners create a lasting legacy by planning for their Whole Family Wealth™. This goes beyond merely planning for finances – it’s about who your are and what’s important to you. He focuses on estate and asset protection planning for the “experienced” generation, the “sandwich generation” (caring for parents and children), doctors/physicians, nurses, lawyers, dentists, professionals with minor children, family owned businesses and pet planning. He takes the “counselor” part of attorney and counselor at law very seriously, and enjoys creating life long relationships with his clients – many of which have become great friends.