By Paige Melton, Elder & Disability Law Clinic Student, Spring 2017
“I’ll think about it tomorrow.” – Scarlett O’Hara, Gone With the Wind
Scarlett said it, but you should not. Well, at least when it comes to estate planning.
To some, estate planning means thinking about difficult topics—what will happen to you, your possessions, and your family when the time comes that you no longer have a voice. Understandably, it is tempting to think about these things tomorrow. However, I want to strongly emphasize to everyone—do not “think about it tomorrow.” Think about it today!
Estate planning does not have to be a dreary process. Estate planning is an exercise of your personal autonomy. It is an empowering thing! There are legal schemes in place to protect and defend your voice—use them! Putting your estate planning off until “tomorrow” does nothing but undermine your present power to safeguard your desires, dignity, and voice. Anything can happen tomorrow, what if your voice is gone before you’ve taken action to materialize it?
For this reason, it is incredibly advantageous to plan proactively. Yes, sadly, there may come a day when you cannot control all that you once did. But how empowering is it that you can still have a strong, clear voice that everyone must listen to? Estate planning protects your voice. Do not be tempted by the motto of Scarlett O’Hara. Use your power now to protect your voice from the uncertainty of tomorrow.