Individuals often times find it hard to openly discuss their own mortality. This can present some difficulties in the realm of estate planning.
Family members can feel as though you are being morbid if you want to discuss some of the pragmatic details that must be dealt with after you pass away. But the truth is that everyone eventually dies and it is as natural as birth. There is no reason why the subject should be taboo in any way, and those who stick their heads in the sand often make a sad situation that much worse.
Part of accepting the reality of aging and eventual death involves sitting down with an experienced estate planning attorney to map out a plan for the future. It is important to elucidate your wishes in a legally binding manner for the well-being of those that you will be leaving behind. But in addition to the execution of the appropriate legal documents there are some practical hands-on matters to address as well when you are making long-term preparations.
For example, do you have a pet? If you do you’re going to have to identify a willing caretaker who will provide the pet with a home should you predecease the animal. Providing for its care financially is another thing to consider.
There is also the matter of access to important documents and online accounts. You have to make keys available to any vehicles or real property. If you have any safe deposit boxes or storage units you must make sure that someone has access to them.
The above are just a few examples of the types of things that people can sometimes overlook. But if you put your mind to it you can probably think of additional practical information that you should share with your loved ones.
If you feel as though you could use some guidance with regard to addressing these hands-on realities, simply discuss the matter with a licensed estate planning attorney.
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