When most people hear “estate planning,” they think about the legal decision-making and documents: wills, trusts, and naming guardians or beneficiaries. And yes, that’s a big part of it. But creating a solid estate plan isn’t just about making decisions—it’s also about making it easier for others to carry them out.

Without a comprehensive plan answering the how, when and where, the legal documents that answer the who and the what could be rendered ineffective! What if you’ve done your plan, but no one knows where to find those documents? Or you’ve completed multiple or partial plans? Without adequate practical preparation, in my opinion, your Estate Plan is really incomplete. And an incomplete plan will only add stress during an already difficult time.

If your documents and information are not easily accessible and well organized, you will leave your affairs in chaos, in some level or another, leaving your loved ones even more overwhelmed.

Planning well is not only documenting your wishes but also putting yourself in the shoes of those who you trust to one day fulfill them. What will they need to know? What will be helpful for them?

This kind of practical planning can take many forms. It might include personal care directives—especially if you anticipate a disabling illness or need for end-of-life medical decisions. It could mean writing a letter of direction to the person or people you’ve appointed, outlining where they can find your documents and how to access what they need. It also includes making advance burial arrangements -financial and otherwise. It should always entail ensuring that every account—from email to bank to social media—has a legacy plan in place, and confirming that the legal tools you’ve prepared will actually be recognized when the time comes. (For example, some banks may require their own Power of Attorney forms, even if you’ve already signed a general POA.) If you’ve used DIY documents, consider having an attorney review them. Confirm what you can while you’re able. Good planning means more than good intentions—it means making sure the plan will work.

The next posts will expound on steps you can take to make your Estate Plan meaningfully practical and ease the burden when the time comes, for you, and your loved ones.

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