As I have said before, sometimes estate planning can be inspiring:

How do we want to give voice to our values and beliefs in how we provide for our family and causes we may be passionate about after we die?  How do we want to make a difference?

Sometimes estate planning can just be downright tough:

How would the assets of our estate be managed on behalf of our children if we died unexpectedly?  Who would be responsible for managing these assets on behalf of our children?

No one knows your children better than you.  Who better to consider when and under what circumstances your children would receive their inheritance outright to encourage their continued healthy development and to try and ensure that they do not receive their inheritance outright before they are ready to handle it.  Because each child is unique and no one knows your children better than you, there is no one more qualified than you to guide the development of the plan as to how each child should be uniquely addressed to provide for and encourage that child if both of you were to prematurely die.

The two of you are also well positioned to consider the people in your life who not only care about your children, but are qualified to manage your estate on your behalf until the children are old enough or mature enough to receive your estate unconditionally.

[Legal advice not only involves an understanding of the law, but the application of the law to a particular set of circumstances or facts.  Blog posts are also imperfect tools to address the subtlety and exceptions of the law that may apply in your situation.  As a result, the information in this blog post does not represent legal advice.  If you are in a situation where you need or desire legal advice, we would be happy to help.  Call Paul at 608-358-9413 or complete the Contact Us form to set-up your no-charge initial consultation.]