For some, their children are counting down the days until they wake to Easter baskets overflowing with chocolate bunnies and jellybeans. For others, their children are eagerly anticipating their Passover Seder and the search for the hidden matzah (afikoman). Both holidays center on reflection, family and meaningful traditions being passed from one generation to the next. As we set aside time to celebrate and be with loved ones, it's a good time of year to reflect on our own legacy and the plans we have in place.
So what does this have to do with your favorite Easter candy? Most of us have that one treat in the basket that we guard carefully. In my family it's usually the Asher's coconut eggs or the last Reese's bunny, but I'd argue in most families it's not the Peeps or the jellybeans. Your estate planning documents deserve the same level of care. You don't want to treat these critical documents like jellybeans, available for anyone to grab whenever they feel like. Instead, documents such as your Will, Powers of Attorney and Living Will should be reserved only for the trusted people that have specific roles in your plan.
For those of you celebrating Passover in the upcoming weeks, think of this as treating your documents like the afikoman, hidden away, but meant to be found when the time is right.
You can certainly communicate your wishes to other family members and loved ones when it feels appropriate, but also want to be mindful about sharing the documents themselves. I advise my clients to keep their original documents somewhere safe, moisture-free and accessible, but also in a space that feels private. I often tell my clients - you don't want to be so discreet that no one can help you when they need to, but you also don't want to be so forthcoming that you open the door to misuse or premature conflict either. Only the most trusted people in your plan need to know where to locate them if and when they become necessary.
As a reminder, your documents should be stored in a way that protects them from potential water, moisture, and fire damage.
I wish you a joyful holiday season surrounded by loved ones and filled with lasting memories.
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