Your Story Matters

One thing I have learned in listening to clients over the years is that everyone has a story. Myself included. Our stories shape us - the good, the bad, and the sad chapters, it’s all part of who we are - and it matters.

Maybe you have/want children. Maybe you don’t/cannot have children. Maybe you are in the middle of a separation. Maybe you recently re-married. Maybe you have children from a new relationship and children from a previous relationship. Maybe you are divorced, and your ex-spouse has a new partner that does not get along with your children. Maybe you have received an inheritance from your parents. Maybe you have a child who suffers from mental health issues and/or substance abuse problems. Maybe you have a partner who is estranged from children from a previous relationship. Maybe you are not on speaking terms with some family members. Maybe you do not get along with your child’s spouse. Maybe you have a new business venture. Maybe you contribute monthly to a charity that is near and dear to your heart. Maybe your partner has financial management difficulties. Maybe you have recently lost a close loved one…

Your story, whatever it is, I want to hear it. Because it will probably have an impact on the estate plan we will piece together. Think of our relationship as a “safe judgment-free zone”. My job is not to comment on your story. My job is to figure out the best way to make your story work in your estate plan and to make sure that your wishes and intentions are reflected in your documents.

Most people think of “estate planning” as drafting and signing a Will and then it is done. Estate planning goes way beyond drafting a Will and Powers of Attorney. If your lawyer is simply drafting a Will for you without taking an interest in your family’s background, current situation and dynamics, chances are something will be missed and that “something” might have a bigger impact than you think on your plan.

You may not want/need a full-blown estate plan - you may simply want/need a simple Will and Powers of Attorney. And that is ok. What I am saying is that no matter what you want, your story matters to determine what you need. It matters to me and it matters for estate planning purposes. Keep that in mind next time you are thinking about “estate planning”!

Stay safe & stay organized!

Wishing you the best,

JH