When it comes to looking towards future, there are many different components you need to consider. If you have a will, a simple trust, and a life insurance policy in which you’ve named beneficiaries, you may assume that you’ve taken care of all of your crucial end of life planning. 

However, you’ve only managed your estate plan at this point. Protecting and creating a legacy can take some more effort and a sit-down meeting with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney. An estate plan looks at the distribution of your assets as well as the opportunities to minimize taxes but a legacy plan creates a more far reaching and comprehensive strategy for your assets, your family and the way that you intend to be remembered.

This means it’s about more than just naming who will receive the assets you pass on but also about preserving and sharing your community involvement, your personal history, your beliefs and your morals. There are several things you should consider in the process of generating a legacy plan including:

• How much control, if any, do you want to have over the continuing distribution of your assets?
• How do you want your heirlooms to be displayed or passed down?
• What are some ways that you can contribute to causes you care about?

Consulting with an experienced estate planning lawyer is strongly recommended if you find yourself and are prepared for the process of legacy planning and your estate planning together.

Your legacy plan and your estate plan articulate who you are to your loved ones and even to charities you care about. Talk to an estate planning lawyer today to learn more about the best options for you.