Maximizing Your Legacy: How Estate Planning Can Protect Your Family's Future

Over the past few years, we have experienced some pretty jolting changes. Loved ones became ill, and quite a few others passed away. When our first child went off to college, I started asking myself questions that, in hindsight, I now realize were long overdue. What happens if we don’t have our estate in order? Who would care for our other children? How would my family know what our wishes are?The fear that I could become ill and not have my wishes known—or that an accident could take me away and ultimately strip me of my choices—plagued my thoughts.

With my oldest now 21 and away at school, I wondered how I could assist with medical decisions in an emergency. Did my parents have their affairs in order?Unfortunately, we suffered another loss, and it became vital to find out.I am a mother of four and the primary caregiver for our family. My husband and I are fortunate to have healthy parents, but life is unpredictable. My sister-in-law has specific needs that require dedicated care—how could we ensure she continues to receive the support she relies on?

So, what now? Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. Learning that I had options for each of the scenarios in my life put me at ease. I could make decisions based on my choices and discuss them with family early, eliminating as many surprises as possible.For myself, I needed an entire estate plan that would encompass all four of my children in some way. This included a will, a trust, healthcare directives, and guardianship designations to ensure that, no matter what happens, my wishes are clear and legally protected.For my two older sons, I needed power of attorney documents in place so that I could assist with medical or financial decisions in case of an emergency.

At 18, they were legally adults, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t need help navigating certain situations. A healthcare proxy and a financial power of attorney gave me confidence that I could assist them if needed.For my parents and in-laws, I encouraged them to look into updating their wills, designating power of attorney, and ensuring their healthcare directives were in place. Knowing their plans would help us avoid unnecessary stress and confusion during difficult times.

There are so many details that come with estate planning, but knowing I can alleviate that burden in advance is a blessing. Finding an attorney I trust—one who understands our family’s unique needs—was the final piece of the puzzle. Now, instead of worrying, I can focus on what truly matters: being present with the people I love.

Going through the process of understanding estate planning has made me realize just how important it is to have the right guidance. If you’re thinking about creating or updating your estate plan, working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference. I’ve seen firsthand how Sharon Aguilera at Gentium Law takes the time to understand her clients’ unique needs and provides thoughtful, personalized solutions. If you’re ready to take that step, I highly recommend reaching out to her—you’ll be in good hands.