Procrastination & Estate Planning

     Why do people procrastinate, especially when it comes to something as fundamental as their Life & Estate Planning? Because it is human nature to avoid unpleasant experiences and people. Period.
     For example, when it comes to experiences, disability and death are certainly not at the top of anyone’s must do list. Even though American life expectancies are increasing with each new medical miracle, every man, woman and child alive today will eventually experience death (according to the actuarial tables of every life insurance company and a long history of anecdotal evidence in support).
     Additionally, longer life expectancy is a double-edged sword: the longer you live, the greater your chances of wearing out physically and mentally before you pass on. Just visit any local nursing home or hospital for proof.
     When it comes to avoiding unpleasant people, most need not wander too far from their own family tree. And, while many Americans live in a world of almost unlimited choices, few are able to pick their own parents or the spouses of their own children. In a sense, every extended family is a unique, dynamic ensemble of individual personalities and values. Just like a musical ensemble, family relationships can produce beautiful music or horrific noise, and oftentimes they produce a little of both.

Excuses for Postponing Proper Estate Planning

     The hand-maiden of procrastination is rationalization. We human beings have an uncanny ability to rationalize our procrastination, commonly in the form of excuses. Here are a few representative excuses to postpone proper Life & Estate Planning, along with tongue-in-cheek responses to each of them.
     We don’t have time, because we are getting ready to do some traveling. Unfortunately, most people spend more time packing their luggage, than they do making proper Life & Estate Plans.
     My daughter can’t get away from work to come with me for an initial consultation. Perhaps it is best to wait until you are incapacitated or dead, so your daughter can take personal time from work and/or from an already crowded family calendar to sort through your assets, squabble with her siblings, hire an attorney and develop an almost first-name relationship with the probate judge.
     Since my children all get along, there’s no need to bother with any planning. You may be right. They will certainly know your special wishes regarding your home, your bank accounts and your investments, not to mention your one-of-a-kind heirlooms — like the kind over which you and your siblings fought after your parents died.
     We don’t have an estate tax problem. Why, my business has no value without me. Perhaps, but the IRS may not agree with you, especially given your inventory, equipment, real estate, loyal customer base and goodwill. Aside from potential estate tax problems, what plans have you made for the continuation or sale of your business? What you have worked decades to build could crumble in a few months or be sold for pennies on the dollar to satisfy the IRS and intra-family inheritance conflicts.
     It’s too expensive. You have spent a lifetime building your wealth, by working hard and making a good return on your investments. Doesn’t it make good business sense to invest a few thousand dollars in professional fees now to save potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes, protect your financial legacy (both from and for your children, as appropriate) and preserve family harmony later on? What price tag can you put on that return on investment?
     We have all heard tragic stories about fortunes lost and families torn apart upon a parent’s incapacity or death, often due to poor planning or no planning at all. Conversely, you will enjoy greater peace of mind when you overcome procrastination and begin the Life & Estate Planning process.

Estate Planning is a Lifetime Process

     Proper Life & Estate Planning is a Lifetime Process. Once your plan is implemented, it must be properly maintained as important changes inevitably occur in your life, the lives of your loved ones, and to the nature, value and mix of your assets.