Estate Planning Is Not The Reason For The Season, But It Is Something You Should Consider

We are in the midst of the holiday season and with that comes family gatherings, great food, gifts, holiday cheer, and estate planning….

Ok, fine, maybe estate planning is not in the usual realm of what the average person thinks about when it comes to the holiday season, but let me implore you why the holiday season is a great time to contemplate putting together an estate plan.

There is no place like home for the holidays. The Holiday season brings everyone home, the kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews. Of course, talking about estate planning is not necessarily a joyous conversation, but it is a necessary one that is best had when families are together. So while the family is together playing games, enjoying turkey, or if you have Norwegian heritage as my family does, lutefisk, consider bringing up the important conversations about your estate and health.
Give your family the gift of peace of mind. Probate is not fun. Not knowing what Mom and Dad would have wanted is not fun. An estate plan gives your loved ones the peace of mind that everything is taken care of when you pass. With a thorough estate plan, there will be less guessing, months of probate, family feuds, and disputes.
Family traditions pass on from generation to generation without paperwork, but assets do not. Whether it’s making lefse, lutefisk, Christmas cookies, or caroling, families have traditions that live on and pass from generation to generation. However, your estate does not pass on to the next generation as seamlessly. Yes, I know the idea of talking about money, property, and wealth may not be in the Christmas spirit. However, an estate plan goes a long way in establishing what you want your legacy to be beyond the Christmas traditions.

So please, while you enjoy this holiday season, consider discussing estate planning with your loved ones, reviewing your current estate plan, and consulting SW&L Attorneys if you do not have an estate plan. Your loved ones and family will thank you for it. Happy Holidays!

If you need to create or update an estate plan or want to know more about the estate planning process, please contact the SW&L Estate Planning team at 701-297-2890 or email us at: info@swlattorneys.com.

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