101 Reasons Why You Should Prepare Your Estate Planning: Wills and Power of Attorney

Estate Planning, writing a Will and Power of Attorney, and end-of-life decisions—these are topics that nobody really wants to think about. Young and old alike, people tend to avoid dealing with these major legal issues, even though everyone will have to face them at some point.

How do you feel when you think about drafting your Will? If you feel stressed, irritated, or even depressed by the idea of Will preparation, you are not alone. The number of people who pass away without an updated Will, or even without a Will at all, tells you that many ignore this important task until it is too late.

You may think it sounds complicated. Maybe you want to make or update your Will, but paying a lawyer's hefty hourly fees for advice is out of the question. What other option do you have to take care of this important paperwork?

About Our Personal Legal Service Plans

Unexpected legal questions arise every day regarding Estate Planning. But writing a Will and all other Estate Planning needs can be made easy. With a Personal or Family Legal Service Plan, you will have access to a Dedicated Full-Service Law Firm to assist you with every aspect of preparing your Estate Planning. Because our Dedicated Full-Service Law Firms are already prepaid, their sole focus is to serve you, rather than bill you.

Our Personal or Family Legal Service Plans protect you and your family for a number of individual or family legal issues and assistance with common legal needs and unforeseen legal life events regarding:

Need One More Reason? Here Are 101 More

1. To appoint a trusted individual to manage your affairs in case of incapacity.

2. To avoid a conservatorship or guardianship proceeding in case of incapacity.

3. To avoid disputes amid the grieving process.

4. To avoid disputes among beneficiaries.

5. To avoid disputes among your family members after your death.

6. To avoid family feuds that could arise during probate.

7. To avoid potential legal issues if your Will is contested.

8. To avoid the risk of asset seizure by a business partner or creditor.

9. To avoid unnecessary delays in the distribution of your assets.

10. To avoid unnecessary legal fees and court costs.

11. To clarify any ambiguities in your Will.

12. To define the parameters for Health Care Powers of Attorney.

13. To designate a trusted individual to make medical decisions stemming from a terminal illness.

14. To determine who should inherit your digital assets such as email accounts and online photos.

15. To dictate your end-of-life care wishes.

16. To distribute assets to beneficiaries outside the usual family structure.

17. To distribute sentimental or symbolic items not covered in your Will.

18. To ease the burden of death-related expenses on loved ones.

19. To enable a Trust to protect and grow assets over time.

20. To enable asset protection planning for the benefit of surviving family members.

21. To enable gifts to be made to your loved ones.

22. To enable the creation of a charitable foundation.

23. To ensure that family heirlooms are preserved.

24. To ensure that inheritances are allocated according to current laws and statutes in your province.

25. To ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

26. To ensure that your business continues after your passing.

27. To ensure that your digital assets such as social media accounts are managed properly.

28. To ensure that your family values and beliefs are perpetuated by future generations.

29. To ensure that your legacy lives on for generations to come.

30. To ensure that your medical directives are legally enforceable.

31. To ensure that your minor children are properly cared for.

32. To ensure that your philanthropic goals are met.

33. To ensure the proper handling of intellectual property rights.

34. To establish a clear line of succession for family business or property.

35. To facilitate previously less invasive asset transfers.

36. To facilitate probate settlement through record keeping.

37. To facilitate the continuation of retirement benefits to beneficiaries.

38. To facilitate the repayment of debts and taxes owed by the estate.

39. To facilitate the transfer of business ownership or management.

40. To help your family members avoid feeling guilty about burdening others with end-of-life decisions.

41. To help your family members avoid overwhelming debt incurred while caring for an incapacitated loved one.

42. To maintain confidentiality regarding asset ownership and distribution.

43. To maintain control of your assets from beyond the grave.

44. To make arrangements relating to any jointly-held property.

45. To make provision for funeral expenses and create a meaningful send-off.

46. To make provision for the care of your aging parents.

47. To make sure that your pets are taken care of.

48. To minimize disputes between blended families.

49. To minimize the amount of estate taxes owed.

50. To minimize the impact of inflation on inheritances over time.

51. To minimize the time and expense involved in probate.

52. To name co-agents who will make decisions regarding incapacitation or death.

53. To prevent a court-appointed executor from managing your estate.

54. To prevent beneficiaries from having to sell any family property to pay outstanding debts.

55. To prevent delayed access to assets by the intended heirs.

56. To prevent estranged family members from inheriting your property.

57. To prevent increased family tensions following your death.

58. To prevent the government from taking control of your assets.

59. To prevent the province from deciding who will inherit your assets.

60. To prevent unexpected costs of your medical care.

61. To prevent your assets from being depleted by taxes, legal fees, and court costs.

62. To prevent your assets from being subject to claims from creditors or spouses of beneficiaries.

63. To prevent your current or former spouse from giving away your assets without consent.

64. To prevent your family members from fighting over the division of assets.

65. To prioritize beneficiaries based on their specific needs.

66. To protect privacy related to small businesses.

67. To protect vulnerable family members from financial exploitation.

68. To protect your art collections, intellectual property, and other valuable items.

69. To protect your assets from creditors.

70. To protect your assets from potential future lawsuits.

71. To protect your children from losing their inheritance to a future spouse in case of divorce.

72. To protect your business interests.

73. To protect your surviving spouse's interests in property.

74. To protect your valuable collections such as art and antiques.

75. To provide financial stability for your surviving family members.

76. To provide financial support to family members with substance abuse issues.

77. To provide for charitable contributions or donations.

78. To provide for children from a previous marriage.

79. To provide for dependents other than minor children.

80. To provide for education expenses for your children or grandchildren.

81. To provide for emergency medical care if needed.

82. To provide for funding of future generations in regard to education.

83. To provide for long-term care expenses in case of incapacity.

84. To provide for loved ones without children.

85. To provide for the continued care of elderly parents or disabled relatives.

86. To provide for the continued maintenance of any vacation property.

87. To provide for the continued operation of your family business, farm, or ranch.

88. To provide for the special needs of any children with disabilities.

89. To provide for unmarried partners.

90. To provide for your family members with special needs.

91. To provide for your favourite charity or cause.

92. To provide for your grandchildren.

93. To provide for your own medical care in case of incapacity.

94. To reduce the likelihood of disputes among co-owners of a family business.

95. To set aside funds for emergency and long-term disability expenses.

96. To set up a Trust for the benefit of a beloved pet.

97. To set up a Trust for the benefit of future generations.

98. To specify burial or cremation preferences.

99. To specify funeral arrangements and other end-of-life details.

100. To specify which family members should receive certain assets.

101. To specify who should have access to your medical records.

Build Your Personal Estate Planning Legal Team

Our plans offer the most complete and affordable legal assistance available. A Personal Legal Service Plan is a vital tool for anyone seeking to protect their legal rights proactively. With a wide range of legal services for an extremely low monthly fee, you will have access to legal consultation, representation, and support for various legal matters. It is more than just an intelligent decision—it is an investment in your peace of mind and legal security.