Page 15 - Southern Exposure - April '20

Southern Exposure, Page 15

elder eState planning

Estate Planning Is Like Building A Snowman

Submitted by Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq.
A c om pl e t e e st a t e look a little odd! The consequences of an incomplete keeping you alive artificially when your body is dying is
plan must include certain estate plan are much more serious, however. If you leave huge. A living will does just that.
essential parts. In fact, it out important documents when you create your estate Step 5: Extend A Hand – The Funeral Instructions For
is similar to building a plan, it is unlikely to accomplish all of your goals, and the Your Loved Ones
snowman in some respects. benefits you thought you were gaining could melt away. Also part of the branches are the funeral instructions.
The traditional snowman The last article we discussed the trust, the health care You can give your family one last hug by making your
has several critical power of attorney and the financial power of attorney. This wishes for your funeral or memorial service known using
components: bottom, time we are addressing the living will, funeral instructions a remembrance and services memorandum. Most people
middle, and top snowballs, and ethical will or letter of instruction. would rather avoid thinking about their own funeral,
as well as “arms” and a Step 4: Living Will but if you don’t make these plans and arrangements in
“face.” If any of these are Next, the branches are inserted to act as the snowman’s advance, the burden will fall on your grieving family after
left out, the snowman can “arms.” The relief one feels when the family knows that you pass away. You can use a remembrance and services
memorandum to list people who should be notified after
LET US HELP YOU included in your obituary, give instructions for handling
you pass away, provide information you would like to be

your remains, and specify what you would like to be

indicate that you prefer that no service be held. Don’t
Ship Your Valuable Packages & Furniture included in your funeral or memorial service – or to
just assume your family knows what you want, as there
is a good chance they do not. If several family members
have conflicting opinions about what you would have
• CLOTHING • SCULPTURES • CUSTOM PACKING AND CRATING wanted, avoidable disputes could arise, causing additional
• DISHES • ARTWORK • ESTATES PACKING AND heartache, delay and potential expense. Taking the time
to write down your wishes can be one of the most caring
• ANTIQUES • COMPUTERS SHIPPING things you can do for your loved ones.
• FURNISHINGS • FURNITURE SHIPPING • BOXES AND PACKING SUPPLIES Step 6: Add Some Personality – The Ethical Will Or
Letter Of Instruction
No snowman is complete without the coals and carrot
WE PACK AND FREE used to create its “face” and add a little personality.
You can use an ethical will, sometimes called a letter
SHIP WITH TLC PICK UP AT YOUR of instruction or legacy letter, to infuse your estate plan
LOCATION with your personality. An ethical will provides a way to
communicate important knowledge, experiences, and
values you have acquired over the course of your life to
your family and loved ones. The contents of the ethical
will are likely to vary widely from individual to individual
because each of us is unique and has lived a life unlike
anyone else, so the wisdom each person finds valuable
and wants to pass on to his or her loved ones is different.
The ethical will is not a legally binding document, but
it may be one of the most precious gifts you can give to
those you will eventually leave behind—as well as future
generations of your family who otherwise would not have
a chance to know you.
Dishes, Glasses, Furniture Don’t Give Us The Cold Shoulder – Call Us Today
Without a complete estate plan, you are skating on thin
Copies, Fax Service, Notary, US Mail, Stamps ice. Make sure your estate plan has more than a snowball’s
chance in the tropics of accomplishing your wishes. As
experienced estate planning attorneys, we can help you
create a comprehensive plan without being snowed under
by all of the details necessary to address your unique
circumstances. Don’t wait for a cold day in July—call
us today to set up a meeting!
If you have questions about this article or your estate
plan and what documents are necessary schedule a
consultation today by calling our office at (561) 694-
Phone: 561-799-3900 7827, Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq., Elder & Estate
10130 Northlake Blvd. #214 Planning Attorneys PA, 480 Maplewood Drive, Suite 3,

West Palm Beach, FL. 33412 Fax: 561-799-3905 Jupiter, FL 33458.
The content of this article is general and should not be
Cell: 561-598-4413 relied upon without review of your specific circumstances
by competent legal counsel. Reliance on the information
Ask For Jean or Joseph herein is at your own risk, as it expresses no opinion by
the firm on your specific circumstances or legal needs.
An attorney client relationship is not created through the
The UPS Store The UPS Store information provided herein.

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