How Do You Want to Live On After Death?
In the words of physicist and My Big TOE author, Thomas Campbell, ‘To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.’ When we lose someone dear, memories of special moments, the support they offered, and their unique qualities linger in our hearts. An epitaph, typically a brief phrase on a tombstone, serves as a poignant expression of sentiment. Epitaph Day, observed in the US on November 2 or April 6, is a symbolic occasion encouraging reflection on and creation of our desired epitaphs. It serves as a gentle reminder of life’s impermanence and the importance of planning for the future.
Crafting an Estate Plan to Leave a Lasting Impression
In the hustle of daily life, essential matters like estate planning often take a back seat. Although the November Epitaph Day has passed, now is an opportune moment to pause and consider ensuring that your wishes, possessions, and legacies are managed according to your preferences after your departure. Surprisingly, you can integrate your desired epitaph into the planning process.
Guiding Your Loved Ones through a Thoughtful Trust
A trust is more than just an estate planning tool; it can memorialize your values and aspirations for your loved ones. By including provisions that encourage education, the pursuit of new skills, community involvement, or entrepreneurial ventures, your trust becomes a source of encouragement and support. It becomes a continuation of your presence, guiding your beneficiaries according to your wishes and vision for their future.
Preserving Memories and Strengthening Bonds
For those who treasure experiences and lasting memories, incorporating clauses in your trust that allocate funds for travel, exploration, family reunions, or special celebrations can be invaluable. These provisions not only facilitate experiences but also nurture deeper connections, ensuring family bonds remain strong even in your absence.
Monetary Support as a Testament to Care
Your estate plan is a powerful tool reflecting your dedication to the well-being and success of your loved ones. If you’ve financially supported others during your lifetime, your estate plan allows you to define the nature and extent of your continued support. Through meticulous planning, you can be remembered not just for accumulated wealth but for the love, care, and foresight demonstrated in your plan.
Seize the Moment – Start Planning Now
Epitaph Day serves as a proactive opportunity to engage in the estate planning process, offering peace of mind and clarity for your loved ones in the future. By articulating your desires, whether related to asset distribution, funeral arrangements, or messages to your loved ones, you can ensure that they are clearly expressed and legally secure.
We Are Here to Help
Let Becky Price’s team at Ibis Legacy Law, LLC help you embark on the crucial journey of estate planning, ensuring that your legacy is honored and that your loved ones are spared unnecessary difficulties in honoring your life and wishes for the future. Please call us at 216-991-6200 to get started.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, nor should it be relied upon as, legal advice, nor does the receipt of this content create an attorney-client relationship.
Rebecca Yingst Price has devoted her legal career to helping families and individuals with estate planning, estate and trust administration, and residential real estate. She believes that there is no substitute for proper legal planning to protect loved ones. Ms. Price has vast experience working with families with young children and disabled children in building thoughtful estate plans. These plans will allow their parents to rest assured that their children’s financial stability has been taken care of in the long-term. Ms. Price also works with single people and couples at all stages of life who share a long-term vision of ensuring the financial security of their loved ones, their pets, or their favorite charities. Learn more here.