Every adult should have at least a basic estate plan that includes an advanced healthcare directive, a simple will, and other documents which detail who should be in charge of your estate and who will take possession of your property.
But there is another kind of estate planning that you might want to consider — döstädning, or Swedish death cleaning. This Scandinavian custom has less to do with sweeping and mopping and is more associated with a general down-sizing of one’s lifelong accumulations.
Why even bother?
Just as leaving a detailed estate plan or trust to disburse your estate to your loved ones and beneficiaries, this is yet another kind act you can perform during your lifetime. One of the hardest tasks of family members is going through the personal effects of their loved one while they are still grieving the loss of that person.
Finding hidden letters, writings, pictures or other items could mar or confuse your intended legacy for your loved ones. It’s far better to conduct the actual physical review of your possessions while you are still in good health so that you can remove any potentially unpleasant surprises for all. By the same token, it might be a good time to make gifts of certain possessions or even of cash, so that you can have the benefit of your gifts being enjoyed by your beneficiaries during your lifetime.
We can help you with your estate planning needs
People naturally hate to dwell on their own mortality, and this can cause them to delay preparing for the inevitable. Our firm can help you sort out your estate planning concerns and put your mind at ease.
Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Allowing us to help you get all your ducks in line can give you peace of mind that your family will be taken care of after you have departed.