08/10/2026
Make-a-will month - I think it's a good thing. It brings awareness to the importance of estate planning. So, not to be negative... but making a will is not enough.
When I say it's "not enough", I'm not referring to the revocable living trust being a better tool. Though it often is.
I'm also not necessarily referring to the critical nature of other documents such as a general durable power of attorney, health care POA, advance directive, beneficiary designations, and other key supplemental documents.
Instead, I'm talking about the specific strategy, organization, & detailed structure of your estate plan.
Simply signing a will or even having a full set of documents may not create a planning structure & strategy which coordinates with your values, family dynamics, finances, health, or long-term goals.
Instead of document prep, you should be aiming for a thoughtful, comprehensive and customized planning strategy. To achieve that sort of plan you, and your attorney, should, for example:
1) Thoroughly consider and address numerous details and nuances within each of your documents. Such as distribution guardrails, asset protection preferences, and future flexibility.
2) Contain organization of your passwords, personal items, finances, various availability of documentation, ongoing bills, parenting preferences - if you have minors, memorial wishes, specific medical wishes, and much more.
3) Communicate and prepare your loved ones and decisions makers.
4) Coordinate with your financial plan or tax planning.
5) Strategically eliminate commonly problematic scenarios.
6) Ongoing follow through and upkeep.
And MUCH more.
The "industry" sells probate avoidance or making sure your stuff goes where you want via quick docu prep. That's important. But what matters more is using wisdom, experience, and proactivity to create and maintain a plan that achieves your goals and protects your loved ones.
The difference between cheap, quick, and basic document preparation and detailed, tailored legal planning is colossal.
