Estate Planning: Expressing Love Beyond Words

In a world where Valentine's Day often translates to chocolates, flowers, and a white tablecloth meal, there lies another way to express your love - an Estate Plan. While unconventional, this gift may actually be more meaningful and thoughtful than it's traditional counterparts. While flowers and chocolate last only a few days, an estate plan lasts a lifetime and strengthens your relationship by showing how much you value your future together.

1. Financial Security: One of the biggest benefits of an estate plan is ensuring that your monetary assets are distributed according to your wishes. Contrary to popular belief, your hard-earned assets may not automatically transfer to your spouse or partner upon your passing if you don't have an estate plan in place, but rather, it depends upon your State's laws. Avoid financial hardships for your love by thoughtfully creating your will or trust to ensure your wishes are honored, and your partner is protected.

2. Empower your Partner: Without a proper estate plan, your partner may have to face probate or legal battles in the event of your passing or incapacitation. By having a power of attorney and health care directive you can empower your partner or spouse with the knowledge and control over future decisions. A gift that keeps on giving.

3. Avoid Family Disputes: Family disputes over estates don't just happen in the movies - but it is also a real concern that can bring unnecessary stress to your loved ones during an already difficult time. Having an estate plan in place is like gifting peace of mind today, while avoiding conflicts in the future.

4. Plans for the Unexpected: We can't predict the future, but what we can do is prepare ourselves for it. No one wants to think about illness, disability, or sudden death, especially on Valentine's Day. However, creating an estate plan together and discussing such scenarios not only prepares you for the worst cases but also gives you and your partner peace of mind.

5. Expression of Your Commitment: Perhaps most importantly, estate planning is a tangible way to show your commitment to your partner. By taking the time to create your estate plan, you show your partner how much you care about their well-being, needs, security, and future.

While it might seem unusual to gift an estate plan for Valentine's Day, it is an investment into the future and demonstrates your love for your partner beyond traditional gifts. Whether you take time and create an estate plan by yourself, together with your partner, or as a gift - you can never go wrong with GoodTrust.