Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the vision and determination of those who established our nation’s independence. They created a blueprint for freedom—carefully designed to protect future generations. In the same spirit, you have the opportunity to design a secure, independent future for your loved ones through thoughtful estate planning.
Creating an estate plan isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about empowering your family with clarity, confidence, and protection. With the right estate planning strategies, you can ensure your wishes are followed and your loved ones are supported, no matter what life brings.
Take Control of Your Legacy—Don’t Leave It to the Courts
When there’s no plan in place, the state steps in to make decisions about your assets, your children, and even your personal information. But the good news is: you have the power to choose what happens.
Without a plan:
- A judge may decide who raises your children, without knowing your values or wishes.
- State laws determine how your assets are distributed—often in ways that don’t reflect your intentions.
- Loved ones may face long delays accessing funds, leaving them vulnerable during a time of grief.
- Assets can get lost or go unclaimed due to missing records or outdated account information.
- Your family’s affairs become public through probate court proceedings.
A holistic estate planning process ensures these issues are avoided. When you work with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney, you gain peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored and your family will have a clear path forward.
What’s the Purpose of Making an Estate Plan?
A modern, effective estate plan does far more than just prepare a will. It should:
- Include the full range of estate planning documents (like a will, trust, healthcare directive, and power of attorney).
- Offer clear guidance for guardianship, inheritance, and access to financial and digital accounts.
- Ensure your assets are accounted for with a detailed inventory to avoid loss.
- Keep your information private and out of public court records.
- Provide ongoing updates as your life changes.
A strong estate plan reflects your values and protects what matters most. It’s a gift to your family—removing the guesswork and potential conflict during already difficult times.
Trusts, Wills, and What’s Right for You
A common question is: who needs a trust instead of a will?
If you have children, own property, or want more control over how and when your assets are distributed, a trust may offer significant benefits. In fact, one of the major benefits of a trust is that it allows you to bypass probate, maintain privacy, and set conditions for inheritance—ideal for long-term inheritance planning.
You might also wonder: how much does a will cost, or how much does estate planning cost overall? The answer depends on the complexity of your assets and wishes, but working with an estate planning attorney often results in greater long-term savings and peace of mind.
If you’re thinking about starting early, you may also ask: how much money do you need to start a trust fund for a child? The good news is, it’s often less than you think, and it can be built over time as part of your larger financial and estate planning checklist.
What’s Included in a Comprehensive Estate Plan?
At Modern Legacy, we guide families through a comprehensive estate planning process that includes:
- Legal documents like wills, trusts, and healthcare directives
- A clear guardian nomination for minor children, as well as an emergency plan
- A Legacy Planning Session to help you understand exactly what would happen if something happened to you today
For families with unique circumstances—like blended families, unmarried couples, or post-divorce dynamics—we tailor the plan accordingly.
Planning That Grows With You
Just like the Constitution was built to evolve, your estate plan should grow with your life. Whether you’re welcoming a new child, buying a home, or going through major changes like a divorce, your plan should adapt.
That’s why we offer continued support—not just one-time document creation. We’ll help ensure your estate plan remains accurate, legally sound, and aligned with your goals.
Let This Independence Day Be a Turning Point
Use this July 4th as a reminder that freedom requires intention. Just as our founders charted a path for a better future, you can do the same for your family.
We invite you to begin with a complimentary 15-minute consultation, where we’ll explore how a personalized estate plan can bring clarity, comfort, and confidence to your loved ones.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting independence—for everyone you love.
This article is a service of Modern Legacy Law Group, PLLC, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Legacy Planning Session.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.