Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend or time for barbecues. It’s a meaningful day to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country. And while we pause to remember their sacrifice, it’s also a good moment to reflect on the legacy we’ll leave behind someday.
As a life and legacy planning attorney, I see Memorial Day as a powerful reminder of how planning ahead isn’t just about documents – it’s about love, responsibility, and protecting what matters most to you and your family.
Estate Planning Is More Than Paperwork
Your estate plan isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a way to make sure your family is taken care of, your assets are protected, and your wishes are respected. Done right, it also passes down your stories, your values, and your life lessons – not just your stuff. That’s what legacy is truly about.
The soldiers we honor gave their lives for something greater than themselves. Their sacrifice reminds us to think about the impact we want to leave. How can we honor what matters most in our own lives? What can we do to ensure our families aren’t left with confusion or conflict?
Honoring Military History in Your Plan
If you or your family have military ties, Memorial Day is an especially important time to think about how you’re preserving that history. Medals, uniforms, letters, and photos may seem like mementos, but they’re pieces of your family’s story. If you don’t include them in your estate plan, those stories could be lost.
When I help families with estate plans, I encourage including inventories, notes, or even recordings to explain the importance of items like these. Service records also matter – they often include benefits and protections that need to be incorporated into your planning.
Estate Planning Is for Everyone
A lot of people think estate planning is only for the rich or the elderly. That’s just not true. If you have people you love, things you care about, or values you want passed on – estate planning is for you.
If you have young kids, you need a plan that includes naming legal guardians and creating a Kids Protection Plan®. If you’re in your career and growing your assets, now is the time to protect what you’ve built. If you’re nearing retirement, you want to ensure your final years – and your legacy – reflect your values.
Wherever you are in life, the right plan helps you make thoughtful decisions now and leaves clear guidance for your loved ones.
Go Beyond Assets: Leave Your Legacy
One of the most meaningful parts of my work is helping clients create a Life & Legacy Interview – something unique to my planning process. It’s a chance for you to speak directly to your loved ones, sharing your values, beliefs, and stories. This isn’t about money – it’s about making sure your voice is heard, even after you’re gone.
You can also share the meaning behind special items in your life, offer advice, or explain the decisions you’ve made in your plan. This kind of personal message can offer comfort, clarity, and connection to the people you love the most.
Let Memorial Day Inspire You to Act
Memorial Day is about remembering those who came before us – but it’s also a chance to think about what we’ll leave behind. What stories do you want your grandchildren to know? What memories or values do you want passed on? If something happened tomorrow, would your loved ones know what to do?
These are big questions, but you don’t have to figure them out alone. That’s where I come in – to help you reflect, get organized, and build a plan that fits your life and your legacy.
Take the First Step
This Memorial Day, honor those who gave everything by protecting what matters most in your life. Let’s start building your legacy today – one that reflects your values, protects your family, and brings peace of mind.
At Cheever Law, don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. This will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a no-obligation 15-minute introductory phone call today.