Writing a Will Is a Gift to Your Loved Ones is provided by John Platt of Profiducia Trusted Family Partners. This article is published in the Fall/Winter 2026 Edition of Vibrant Senior Options Resource Guide Magazine.
Writing a will is one of the kindest and most important things you can do for your family and friends. Even though August was National “Get a Will” Month, it is not too late to put your wishes into writing. Taking this step protects your loved ones and gives you peace of mind.
A clear will lets you decide who gets your personal items, money, and property. Everyone reading your will knows that these are your wishes, not someone else’s. Without a will, state laws decide how to distribute your things. The state process can take a long time and can create opportunities for confusion, arguments, and hurt feelings among the people you love.
Making a will is simple to start. Ideally, you work with a lawyer in your community to use your wishes to create a plan in a format that will be recognized by the court. Once your will is signed and witnessed, your job is done. You can rest easy knowing your wishes are documented and your family is cared for. The cost of hiring a lawyer is small compared to the peace of mind you can create for yourself and your loved ones.
Here is a practical checklist of information and documents to gather before you meet with an estate planning lawyer. Having these items ready will save you time and help your attorney draft the most accurate document possible:
Financial and Property Records
- Real Estate Deeds: Gather papers for your home, land, or any other properties.
- Financial Statements: Print recent statements for bank accounts, CDs, and brokerage accounts.
- Retirement Accounts: Locate details for 401(k) plans, IRAs, and active pensions.
- Life Insurance: Note the policy numbers, company names, and payout amounts.
- Business Documents: Bring partnership agreements or corporate papers if you own a business.
Personal and Family Details
- Identification: Keep your driver’s license, state ID, and Social Security card handy.
- Family Contacts: Write down the full names, birth dates, and addresses of children and beneficiaries.
- Prior Legal Papers: Bring copies of existing wills, trusts, or divorce decrees.
- Valuable Items: List specific pieces of jewelry, art, or family heirlooms you wish to pass down.
- Debts and Liabilities: Note outstanding mortgages, personal loans, or major credit card balances.
Key Decisions to Consider
- The Executor: Choose a trusted person or firm to manage your estate and carry out the plans outlined in your will.
- The Beneficiaries: Decide exactly who will receive specific items or remaining funds.
- Alternative Choices: Select backup names for your executor and beneficiaries just in case.
- Digital Assets: Think about what you want to have happen to your email, social media accounts, cryptocurrency, and other digital assets.
- Powers of Attorney: Your last will and testament only comes into effect after you have passed away. Ask your attorney about documents that would protect you if you become unable to make decisions for yourself but still have bills or other matters that need attention.
Having your estate planning in place and keeping it current is a gift you give to yourself and those around you.
John Platt
President, CTFA
Profiducia
206-573-5276
www.profiducia.com
Naming Your Power of Attorney, Executor, or Trustee
When it comes to naming someone as your Power of Attorney, Executor, or Trustee, most people naturally think of a spouse, child, or close friend. In some situations, that can work out fine. But it’s not always the best—or easiest—option.
Maybe your family lives far away. Maybe there are complicated relationships or simply a desire not to burden the people you care about. Whatever the reason, it’s worth considering whether a loved one is the right person to take on such an important role.
Time-Consuming Roles
These roles come with a lot of responsibility. A Power of Attorney may need to make quick financial decisions. An Executor has to pay bills, file taxes, sell property, and settle your estate. A Trustee might be managing assets, handling records, and making distributions for years to come. It’s not just paperwork—it’s time-consuming, technical, and often motional work.
For a family member, juggling all that—on top of their own life and, potentially, their own grief—can be a lot to handle. And unfortunately, it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or tension between relatives.
A Fiduciary Makes a Difference
A fiduciary is a trained, experienced professional who can step into these roles—Power of Attorney, Executor, or Trustee—on your behalf. They’re neutral, independent, and focused on doing things by the book. They understand the legal requirements, deadlines, and the big picture. Their know-how helps avoid costly mistakes and delays that can happen when someone is navigating it all for the first time.
Taking the Pressure Off the Family
But most importantly, bringing in a professional takes the pressure off your family. They don’t have to wade through complex forms or navigate difficult decisions. They can focus on what matters most: being there for one another and remembering you.
By choosing a professional fiduciary, you ensure that your affairs are handled with care, clarity, and fairness. It brings peace of mind now—and offers your family comfort, support, and relief when they’ll need it most.
