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Wills, Trusts, and Other Important Documents- Leaving a Lasting Legacy

By Ozeme J Bonnette

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Published: 03Dec2009
Word count: 517
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While here on earth, we are meant to be a blessing to others. However, our job is not done there. We are also supposed to leave our mark behind when we are gone. 2 Corinthians 12:14 tells us to provide for our children. But Proverbs takes it one step further to include future generations. Proverbs 13:22 reads, "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous." (NIV)

It is important for us to plan ahead. When King Hezekiah became ill, Isaiah told him to get his house in order because he was going to die. You can read this in 2 Kings 20:1.

Whether sooner or later, death is inevitable for all of us. But for the sake of our families, we should be prepared. Rather than letting the state courts decide which family member should be entitled to our property, we can set up wills and trusts that divide our assets and document our last requests.

A revocable living trust is a great option. But first, let me throw out this disclaimer. I am not a lawyer. I am merely giving you a jump start. Please seek legal advice to find out how this will best meet the needs of your family.

A revocable living trust is similar to a will in that it sets forth how your assets will be distributed upon your death. However, the added benefit is that a trust avoids probate. When your estate ends up in probate, the courts appoint a conservator to manage your assets. Everything becomes public. The process is long and expensive.

Wills and trusts are imperative to ensure that the legacy continues. It is possible that our heirs are not mentally or emotionally ready to handle the immediate wealth our death provides for them. Proverbs 20:21 warns us, "An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end." (NIV)

Some family members may allow greed to take hold of them, resulting in the inheritance being mismanaged and squandered in months. A trust allows us to designate trustworthy managers who can ensure that the legacy continues. In Galatians 4:1-2, Paul says, "What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father." (NIV)

It is never too early to start planning. We are not promised tomorrow, so if we want to ensure that our last wishes for our assets are fulfilled, we need to take the time to see that the proper documents are in place.

Two other documents to consider are an advance health care directive and a durable power of attorney. An advance health care directive names a trusted person to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. A durable power of attorney names a trusted person to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so. Again, seek legal counsel to ensure that these are correctly executed.

Ozeme J. Bonnette is a financial coach, speaker, and author. She began her career at Merrill Lynch, and now works to increase financial literacy. She teaches and speaks to groups and organizations throughout the U.S. She earned 3 Bachelor's degrees at Fresno State and an MBA at UCLA's Anderson School. She blogs at http://www.povertynorriches.com. Send questions and comments to ozeme@thechristianmoneycoach.com.

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