October 19th kicks off the 8th annual National Estate Planning Awareness Week. This week was established in 2008 in an effort to raise awareness about the benefits, value, and necessity of having an up-to-date estate plan. At the time, it was estimated that over 120 million Americans did not have a current estate plan. House Resolution 1499, sponsored by Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA), points to a lack of awareness and understanding by many Americans of estate and financial planning basics to protect their loved ones in the event of their death. A proper estate plan can ensure your assets go to the people or organizations you want. It can prevent family members from being subject to complex legal and administrative procedures after the death of a loved one. It can help prevent the discord, animosity, and confusion that often results from someone dying intestate (without a Will) or with an outdated Will. So in an effort to help Americans obtain the information necessary to plan for their future and their family’s future, the third week in October was designated as National Estate Planning Awareness Week. In accordance with this week’s mission, we will feature daily articles geared towards helping you obtain the estate plan that is right for you.
