Living Trust in the Season of Giving and Planning

Giving and Planning

Giving

Here we are again. It is hard to believe how quickly time passes. Snow on the ground and another Holiday Season. Ask yourself two questions: Are we giving enough? Have you planned for when you are gone and protected your family with a Living Trust?

December can be a hectic month. But it also can and should be a time to reflect, be grateful, give and plan. It is far too easy to fall into the trap of complaining and being consumed with what is changing and what we do not have. But it’s pointless. The truth is we are all fortunate simply to be here. Every one of us has lost many people in our lives and this last year was no exception in getting the news of someone in our lives gone too soon.Family Giving Time

So we are lucky to be here and to be with those we love. Beyond that, it’s all a bonus. And a pretty darn good one at that. If you feel shorted, reflecting on those who have less is the answer. And there are far too many who have less. December is a good time to reconnect with family and friends, and it is an important time to connect with people in our communities who can use our support. Start with kids who may have lost a parent or whose family is struggling. A visit, a call or card can make all the difference in life. Same is true of the elderly who have outlived people who care. It is a lonely existence and especially so around the holidays. Years ago my family traded in the stress and time of buying unneeded gifts for each other for spending time and buying gifts for those who need it more than we do. The best thing we ever did. That decision became Dreams for Kids, a 28 year nonprofit. The holidays have true meaning and always will for our family.

Planning with a Living Trust

Beyond the celebrations, parties, and services, December also give’s you some down time to reflect. When you do, you should plan. What will you do differently in 2016? Most importantly, have you planned ahead and protected your estate so that your family is secure? The best protection is a Living Trust estate plan. It is far too easy to put off planning. Doing so will cause heartache and cost for your family.

Here are some facts:

  • A Will does not avoid probate.
  • If you have assets in your name, at your death, they are subject to probate.In most counties the entire process can take a minimum of 18 months.
  • Real estate and investments depreciating while tied up in probate.
  • Without a proper plan, you could disinherit your own children.

Start Today

You know you should have an estate plan. Even if you don’t know all the pitfalls, you can guess correctly that the consequences of no estate plan is not good. And yet, like most people you are probably putting it off.Living Trust

An estate plan is not a retirement plan. You might not make it to retirement. Don’t hold off any longer.

Tom Tuohy

Read more about Mr. Tuohy, Living Trust Lawyer Chicago Il
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Chicago, Illinois, 60607

Disclaimer: This blog entry has been created for information and planning purposes. It is not intended to be, nor should it be substituted for, legal advice, which turns on specific facts, as well as laws in specific jurisdictions. No reader of this blog should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this blog without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the reader’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.