At Sechler Law Firm, our workshops about wills, trusts, and powers of attorney begin with a simple question: why are you here? While attendees cite various reasons—concerns about taxes, legal complexities, or family dynamics—the most common response is the desire for peace of mind.
Estate planning is about more than distributing your assets after death. It’s about creating a plan that ensures your loved ones are cared for and protected, even in the face of life’s uncertainties—whether it’s a death, disability, or family divorce. Without a clear plan, these events can lead to chaos and financial hardship.
The Needs of Retirees
Many of our clients are retirees or soon-to-be retirees, typically between 55 and 90 years old. After decades of hard work, they’ve accumulated assets—a home, retirement accounts, savings—and want to enjoy their golden years without worry. They dream of checking off bucket list items, staying healthy, and knowing their legacy will benefit their families.
But retirees also recognize the threats that can erode their savings. From taxes and probate to nursing home costs, they want to protect their assets from being consumed by these expenses. This is where a solid estate plan comes in—a plan designed to prevent interference from lawyers, government regulations, or long-term care costs.
Why a Will Alone Isn’t Enough
When we ask clients what comes to mind with the term estate planning, most immediately think of a will. While a will is a key document, it’s far from sufficient on its own. Its primary purpose is to answer the question, Who gets my stuff when I pass away?
But estate planning goes beyond this. A will cannot address many critical issues, like ensuring your spouse can afford to live in your home if you require long-term care. Nursing homes can cost upwards of $150,000 annually, and without a plan, these expenses can quickly deplete your assets, leaving your loved ones vulnerable.
Building a Fully Loaded Toolbox
Estate planning is like assembling a toolbox, and a will is just one tool. To achieve true peace of mind, you need a comprehensive set of tools, including:
- Powers of Attorney: To handle finances and healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated.
- Revocable Living Trusts: To avoid probate and simplify asset distribution.
- Asset Protection Trusts: To shield your home and savings from nursing home costs.
For many middle-class families, the greatest financial threat isn’t taxes or probate—it’s long-term care expenses. Without an asset protection trust, these costs can quickly drain your resources.
Adapting to Modern Challenges
The challenges faced by today’s retirees differ from those of previous generations. The days of relying solely on Medicare or nearby adult children for care are long gone. Advances in medicine mean people are living longer, but with that comes higher rates of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other chronic conditions.
These modern realities require modern tools. To truly protect your legacy, you must consider questions like:
- What happens if I need nursing home care?
- What if my grandchild has special needs?
- What if my child goes through a divorce?
Addressing these concerns ensures your family avoids lengthy, stressful probate disputes and unnecessary legal battles.
Comprehensive Estate Planning
At Sechler Law Firm, we don’t believe estate planning should be transactional. It’s not just about drafting documents—it’s about building an ongoing relationship with our clients to ensure their plans remain effective as laws and circumstances change.
We’ve developed workshops like the Three Secrets to Protect Your Legacy, where we educate families about the essential estate planning tools. In our follow-up Blueprint Workshop, participants receive a workbook to design a plan tailored to their needs. If they choose to work with us, we help finalize their estate plan, ensuring they have a fully loaded toolbox.
Ongoing Support Through the Red Wagon Club
Estate planning doesn’t end once the documents are signed. Laws evolve, and life circumstances shift. That’s why we created the Red Wagon Club, an exclusive membership for our estate planning clients.
Members benefit from:
- Monthly educational workshops on estate planning, taxes, and healthcare.
- Access to healthcare and financial professionals.
- Social events to foster community.
With hundreds of members, the Red Wagon Club ensures that your plan stays up-to-date and that you maintain peace of mind as your life changes.
Take the First Step
If you’re ready to achieve peace of mind and protect your legacy, join us for a workshop. Visit sechlerlawfirm.com/workshops to find a date and venue that works for you.
Let us help you build the comprehensive plan you need to safeguard your family’s future.
