I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING, I AM NOT WORTH ANYTHING, DO I NEED AN ESTATE PLAN?

I get this question a lot. This is a very complicated and sensitive subject that I attempt to address on a case by case basis. The answer is always yes!

First, you are definitely worth something to someone on a simply emotional level. While in our daily lives we sometimes lack the personal connection and recognition to retain a concept of self-worth, this is only a reflection of the business of the day to day lives of yourself and those around you. Do not use this as a measuring stick of your own self worth or your own value to people around you. Your own perception of yourself is undervalued and underappreciated.

With that said, when it comes to incapacity and death, I have not yet had a case where someone somewhere was not reminisced or positively mentioned at either their hospital bed or their funeral. The opposite is usually the truth.

As to your "worth", just as above, your items, memorabilia, collections, photographs, heirlooms, clothing, tools, furniture, art, books, musical instruments, technology, are all worth something to someone. I have seen family members argue more over a very specific worthless item, than a $5,000 bank account balance. Certainly some items are literally worthless to someone, but are priceless to others. Keep in mind that sometimes these are items that people may "expect" to inherit, but you may not want them to.

Do I need an estate plan? Yes.

​Your wishes must be reflected on estate planning documents in order to guide those that you love after your passing and give them clear instructions as to what you would have wanted to happen.