Consider this question: if something were to have happened to you yesterday, what would the people in your life not know that they need to know? Often, the answer to this question is everything.
When it comes to after loss planning, having a comprehensive estate plan in place is undeniably advantageous. However, not everyone manages to get one in place before it’s too late. Without a formal estate plan, the process can be more complex and challenging for loved ones left behind. Beyond the legal realm, it is also vital to consider other areas of preparation.
In knowing how daunting it can be to meticulously document and make accessible the important aspects of your life, we have outlined some of the key areas for consideration to help get you started.
- Legal Considerations
- Estate Plan Documents: A trusted attorney from the Opfer Campbell Beck team can assist you with determining what exactly needs to go into your unique estate plan. These documents will outline how you want assets distributed, who will manage your affairs, and more. Without having these in place, the state may decide for you, which may not align with your wishes.
- Wills and Trusts
- Powers of Attorney (Healthcare and Durable)
- Medical Directives
- Guardianship Designations
- Financial Considerations
- Inventory of Financial Accounts: It is essential to create a full inventory of your financial life to ensure your people can locate and manage your finances effectively when you are no longer able to. Consider your assets, income, liabilities, and insurance policies. Ensure these are stored in a secure physical location or using a trusted online operating system such as Trustworthy or Everplans.
- Beneficiary Designations: Ensure all eligible accounts have designated beneficiaries. This includes retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death (POD) accounts. These designations supersede what is written in your will, so be sure to keep them up to date.
- Other Essential Categories
- Essential Contact Lists: Compile a list of key contacts, including family members, close friends, neighbors, legal advisors, financial planners, physicians, home cleaners, and other relevant professionals that may need to be contacted if you were to become incapacitated.
- Directory of Important Items: Create a directory that outlines where important documents are located. This includes documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, property deeds, tax records, and more.
- Care Information for Children and Pets: In addition to having the legal side of guardianship in place, it is important to provide detailed care instructions for both children and pets. Consider including information about daily routines, medical conditions and history, favorite activities, and important contact information for physicians/veterinarians.
- Real and Personal Property: List all real estate properties you own, including their locations and any mortgage information. For personal property, include descriptions and any available information on valuable items such as jewelry, collectibles, and vehicles.
- Digital Inventory and Legacy: Document your digital footprint, including email accounts, social media profiles, and any online subscriptions. Set up legacy and emergency contacts where possible (Meta, Apple and Google all have options to do so) and consider including login information using a secure password manager like Bitwarden, Dashlane, or LastPass.
- Business Ownership Tasks: If you own a business, outline what needs to be done to ensure a smooth transition. Include details about your business partners, employees, key customers, and suppliers.
- Aging Care Wishes: Document your preferences for aging care, such as living arrangements, medical care, and end-of-life wishes.
- Remembrance Wishes: Outline your wishes for memorial services or celebrations of life. This can include specifics about the type of service you want, readings, music, and any other personal touches.
Taking Action Today
While this list is a thorough place to begin, each of us leads a life with unique considerations when it comes to legacy and estate planning. By addressing these areas as well as any other pertinent areas of your life, you create a comprehensive after loss plan that provides peace of mind to you, and eases the burden on your people during an already difficult time. Planning without an estate plan requires detailed organization and clear documentation. Start today by compiling this essential information, and consider reaching out to professionals for further guidance and support along the way.
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Author: Kylee Bandy, After Loss Advisors LLC
Kylee Bandy is the founder of After Loss Advisors, a firm specializing in legacy and estate organization as well as after-loss consulting. After the death of her father in 2018, Kylee learned firsthand the “business side of death” – namely the logistical struggles that can come alongside settling a loved one’s estate. Through her professional background in sales leadership and project management, along with her personal experiences with death, Kylee brings a unique blend of organizational skills and empathy to her work.
After Loss Advisors is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring no stone is left unturned in your planning process. Following a complimentary consultation, we formulate a customized plan and guide you to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
At Colorado Estate Services, we are proud to partner with After Loss Advisors to ensure that both estates and Personal Representatives (PRs) receive the highest level of care and expertise. By combining our real estate services with their specialized legacy organization and after-loss consulting, we offer a comprehensive approach to estate management. Together, we help families navigate the complexities of probate and estate sales with personalized support, ensuring smooth transactions and peace of mind during an already challenging time.
To contact Kylee, reach out through Colorado Estate Services, visit her website at After Loss Advisors, or call her directly at 970.439.0592.
