Estate Planning gets a reputation for being depressing. But planning ahead is the ultimate act of love. In traditional wedding vows, a bride and groom promise themselves to one another “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” But many do not want to plan for the certainty of death, but when we do plan, we show how much we truly love.

1. For Better, For Worse, For Richer, For Poorer

Love isn’t always wildly adventurous – it is often the smaller conventional things that show true acts of love.  Whether it is going to the grocery at midnight for milk or starting your loved-one’s car on a cold day.

Creating a Financial and Legal Durable Power of Attorney allows us to make sure that a trusted person can help or make decisions when needed.   This makes it possible to make sure bills are paid and that our loved one has a safe home.  This allows us to provide comfort and safety.   

2. In Sickness and in Health

Life can be easy when we are healthy, but during times of illness, the real tenderness of love is shown.  Picking up prescriptions or making soup is not something that is likely to be featured in a romantic movie but are acts we do for only those we love.

Creating a Health Care Power of Attorney and a Living Will allows us or our loved-one to ensure that the right medical decisions will be made by a trusted person when the time comes.  This provides assurance and support when one of us is at our weakest.

3. To Love and To Cherish

“Happiness is growing old together with love of your life.”

A plan gives you the opportunity to leave a gift to your loved ones.  Simple gifts like a wedding band or grandma’s antique pie chest are more than physical objects that you are passing on.  These gifts come with memories and sentimental attachment.

4. Till Death Do Us Part

Death is an unfortunate certainty and our loved one will have to handle the pain, grief, and frustration that comes at our death.  An estate plan helps your loved ones avoid the pain and nuisance of handing a mess after your death.  A well-done plan shows that we loved enough to try to make things as easy as possible. 

Jack Lemmon once said, “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” What better way to carry on that relationship by showing our deep affection through estate planning.

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