Saving a Loved One from Challenges After You Pass Away

One of the most common reasons that people neglect the estate planning process is because they don’t wish to discuss the topic of death.

It can certainly feel morbid and very difficult to talk to your loved ones about what might happen if you are no longer around but it can simultaneously be one of the most powerful gifts that you give them.

Recognizing your own value of doing death planning, if you can get through a few uncomfortable conversations, will help set your loved ones up to know exactly what to anticipate when you pass away.

Whether it’s sharing how to find your estate paperwork, keeping them abreast of important individuals like your CPA or your estate planning attorney, or explaining how to locate safety deposit boxes or file a life insurance claim form with the company with whom you own a policy, you can save your loved ones from difficult decisions at the same time they are mourning your loss.

Certainly some of these steps can be uncomfortable and difficult but it is far easier for your loved ones to approach this subject now and understand your wishes so that they can carry out the management of your estate appropriately.

Just as you would plan for what happens to your assets after you pass away, you can also ensure that you and your loved ones are protected while you’re still alive. Whether you’re hoping to ensure that you appoint the right people with power of attorney abilities or need to have a plan in place to create a trust or qualify for Medicaid benefits, it’s helpful to speak with a trusted estate planning lawyer.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.

About Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP

Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP is the CEO and Founding Partner of O'Connell Law, an estate planning and elder law firm serving clients across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. She is one of a select group of attorneys in Massachusetts certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). Tiffany focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and probate administration, Medicaid planning, long-term care planning, Alzheimer's planning, charitable planning, and retirement and wealth strategies. She has been helping families plan for their futures since opening her practice in 2010.

Credentials: JD, LLM, CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney — National Elder Law Foundation), AEP (Accredited Estate Planner)

Licensed in: Massachusetts

Areas of Practice: Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Alzheimer's Planning, Asset Protection

View all posts by Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP →

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.