Photo Credit: Lise Gagné 

Lawyers as Saints™

Issue 3, Winter 2023 | A positive blog about lawyers and the law.

Holiday are always interesting. We often have a picture perfect vision in our mind's eye of what it should look and feel like. Christmas evokes a range of emotions...nostalgia, sadness, and happy to name a short list. Christmas is a good time to discuss important family matters such as leaving a legacy, what family heirlooms are important to certain family members, and whether a family member would like certain items to be left to them. 

It is also a good time to discuss the tough topic of advance directives. Why bring that into a holiday is the question? It is the one time of the year when most loved ones are gathered. If nothing else, it is a good time to discuss if family members have concerns or requests regarding family heirlooms of end of life issues. It is a joyous time and you can use the positive emotions to offset the uncomfortable feelings associated with discussing estate planning.

From personal experience, having peace of mind regarding a loved one's estate is a gift.  Having a thorough estate plan results in less feuding amongst family members, less guessing, and is a hedge against prolonged estate administration.  

Traditions are important! They can pass freely from one generation to the next. However, assets do not pass that freely. Talking about money, property, and wealth may not be in the Christmas spirit. Trust me -- I do this for a living and it was not comfortable when my parents started discussing this with me during a trip to Virginia in recent years. However, an estate plan goes a long way in establishing what you want your legacy to be beyond the Christmas traditions. That Johnny Mathis or Ray Conniff Christmas album may carry more importance to a family member than you realize; thus, it is important to clear the air as to who and how assets are transferred. 

Our most treasured family heirloom are our sweet family memories. The past is never dead, it is not even past.   

— William Faulkner

Lastly, please, while you enjoy this holiday season, consider discussing estate planning with your loved ones, reviewing your current estate plan, and consulting Crossin Law Offices,, LLC, if you do not have an estate plan. Your loved ones and family will thank you for it. Happy Holidays!

Oh, and here is a hyperlink of classic Christmas songs personally curated that will beckon the nostalgic feels. Enjoy!

If you need to create or update an estate plan or want to know more about the estate planning process, please contact the Crossin Law Offices, LLC at 219.714.3854 or email at: [email protected].

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