Planning, Protection, Peace of Mind.
These words represent the benefits that a client stands to gain when they tackle the process of developing an estate plan,
Planning: Planning is the process of thinking about and organizing the activities required to achieve a desired goal. In my practice it involves assessment of circumstances, legal analysis, and development of a strategy to achieve the desired goal.
Protection: Protection can be the action of keeping someone or something safe from harm or injury. In my practice protection involves taking the steps necessary (the planning) to ensure that the people you care about benefit from your legacy.
Peace of Mind: Peace of Mind - the absence of mental stress or anxiety. For almost 20 years, I have been working with individuals and families to help them find the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their wishes will be carried out if and when the unthinkable happens. Sometimes we are planning because the procrastination has been weighing heavy and it's time (think New Year's Resolution). Sometimes it's the untimely death of a relative or friend that is the catalyst for making the appointment. For these clients I send them off with their estate plan and they can put it on the shelf and go on with life knowing that if something happens to them, they did what they could to minimize legal issues.
At the other end of the spectrum, sadly, sometimes it is an awful diagnosis. I have worked with clients that are facing their own mortality in a very real way. In these situations, I am continually amazed at the relief that I see for that person, knowing that the legal issues are under control.
That's Peace of Mind.