New Year’s Resolutions and Estate Plans

Every year we make New Year’s resolutions. By February we realize we’re not going to keep them. It’s hard for us to argue that you should make your own resolutions.

But we do have a suggestion for you, related to your estate planning. Not “you should get in here to sign a new will” or even “could you please resolve to update your estate plan.” We just want you to go find your original will, trust and powers of attorney.

While you’re at it, could you please look at the documents? See if you still want the same person to handle your finances and health care decisions. Have you told them they are named, and where to find the original documents?

One last thing: consider whether you are ready to give your agent and successor trustee authority to act immediately. You are getting older, you know. They might need to step up this year. Do you really want them to have to get a letter from your doctor before they can help out?

No New Year’s resolutions. Nothing to break in February. Just go look at the original documents. Give it fifteen minutes. Thank you.