The one constant in life is change. You can count on it. Things change. No matter how hard we try to keep them the same, the inevitable will occur.
That includes relationships. Relationships change, usually over time … sometimes long periods of time and sometimes not so long. Sometimes the change is anticipated and sometimes it’s a surprise, but change is coming.
As relationships change, consider changing your plan for the future. We call it an Estate Plan, but it is really a plan for the future. A plan for who will be in charge, who will benefit and who will have access to your stuff, under different circumstances. For instance, your plan should include naming someone to manage your affairs in the event you are unable to do so. You should, obviously, choose someone you trust. After all, this person will have access to your stuff when you are not in a position to monitor their activities.
Now imagine that something occurs to change the relationship with the person you have chosen. If you don’t also change your plan for the future, that person will be in charge of your stuff, despite the change in your relationship.
Shine a light on the possibility that there is a need to update your plan for the future. What you decided 2, 5, 10 or 20 years ago may not be what you want now. A quick review of your documents will tell you - but be honest, have you even looked at those documents since you put them on the shelf or in the drawer after meeting with the lawyer?
I’m a firm believer in planning. Along with that is the belief that plans change … and those plans must be treated as “living” documents, subject to change just like everything else. This is why we provide maintenance to our clients, so that they can change their documents whenever a change occurs in their lives and relationships. Change is also why it’s so important to take a look at those documents once a year or so … so take it off the shelf or out of the drawer … just to make sure nothing has changed.
If you want to learn more about estate planning, join any one of our workshops! You can register here: events.hunterlawoffice.net
Susan Hunter
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