Life rarely slows down on its own. With work, family and community commitments, many of us push off estate planning because it feels big, like something we’ll “get to later.”
But small, thoughtful steps can make a real difference for the people who may one day have to step in and help. You don’t have to finish an entire estate plan at once to give your loved ones more clarity and peace of mind.
Here are three simple planning “wins” you can tackle this spring.
1. Make a simple “where things are” list. If something unexpected happened, would your family know where to find what they need?
You can give them a tremendous gift by creating a short list to answers questions like:
- Where are important documents kept (will, trust, deeds, insurance policies)?
- Which banks, credit unions or investment firms hold your accounts?
- Who are your key contacts (financial advisor, CPA, attorney, insurance agent)?
This list does not have to be elaborate. A handwritten page kept in a safe place, or a simple document shared with a trusted person, can save your family hours of searching and second guessing at an already difficult time.
2. Think about your “go-to” people. Another helpful step is deciding who you would trust to help if you could not manage things yourself. Consider:
- Who would you want to make medical decisions if you were unable to?
- Who would you trust to handle your finances in an emergency?
- Is there someone who is calm under pressure and good with details?
You don’t have to have every legal document signed and in place before you think through these questions. Simply writing down a few names — and letting those people know they are your “go-to” persons — is a powerful first move. When you are ready to meet with an attorney, you will have a clear sense of who you want in those roles.
3. Learn the basic paths of planning: a will, trust and “do nothing.” Many people delay planning because they feel overwhelmed by where to start or intimidated by terminology. One of the kindest things you can do for yourself is to get clear, plain English answers to questions such as:
- What is the difference between a will and a living trust?
- What really happens in Virginia if I do nothing at all?
- How can I help my family avoid court involvement or confusion?
- You do not have to become an expert. But understanding the basic paths — having a will, having a trust-centered plan or leaving things to the default rules (which is what happens when you don’t have a plan in place) — can make your eventual decisions much less stressful.
There are many ways to learn the basics: seminars, reputable online resources or a conversation with an attorney who focuses on estate planning.
Taking the next step: Estate planning is ultimately about caring for people. It’s not just about the paperwork. By making a simple “where things are” list, thinking through your “go to” decision makers and learning the basic planning options in Virginia, you can make things easier for the people you love, even before your full plan is finished.
When you are ready, talking with a qualified estate planning attorney can help you turn those first steps into a complete plan that reflects your wishes and protects your family.
Geneva Perry is a partner in the law firm of Promise Law in Newport News. She offers FREE, weekly, virtual workshops on estate planning. To register, call 757-690-2470 or visit PromiseLaw.com.
