An Estate Plan Should Be More Than Just Transferring Assets
When most people think about estate planning, they focus on the essentials: who will inherit the house, the bank accounts, the car, or the retirement funds. That’s all important — no question. Having a legally sound plan for how your assets will be distributed is a key part of protecting your family.
But that’s not the whole picture.
Because your legacy isn’t just financial. It’s also personal. And the truth is, the things your loved ones will treasure most often aren’t things at all.
What Does It Mean to Leave a Personal Legacy?
Your personal legacy is the part of you that lives on through the values you held, the relationships you built, and the stories, lessons, and traditions you leave behind.
When clients come in to create or update their estate plan, I often ask a few questions to get them thinking beyond money:
What do you want your children or grandchildren to remember most about you?
What life lessons shaped who you are?
Are there family traditions or simple rituals that matter to you?
Is there a story they should know? A recipe you hope they’ll keep using?
What advice would you share if you had one last moment to give it?
This isn’t about sentimentality for the sake of it. It’s about meaning. And these reflections can absolutely inform your legal estate planning. For example, how you structure a trust might change based on a beneficiary’s values or needs. Or you might give specific guidance about heirlooms or cherished personal items based on their emotional value, not just their financial one.
How to Share Your Legacy Beyond the Will
This part of estate planning doesn’t require a legal document. It requires intention.
Some clients write letters. Some record short videos on their phones. Some leave behind favorite recipes, collections of stories, or handwritten notes with reflections on life. Others keep a journal they add to over the years. There’s no right or wrong format — just what feels honest to you.
The key is that it comes from you, in your own voice. Not polished. Not perfect. Just real.
And yes — you can include this type of legacy planning alongside your estate documents. It might be a note tucked into your binder, a folder on your computer, or a series of voice memos. But don’t assume you’ll “get around to it later.” When you’re already taking time to plan, this is the perfect moment to make space for this deeper layer.
Your Estate Plan Is the Framework — But Legacy Is the Heart
Your will, trust, and powers of attorney are critical tools. They help your loved ones navigate legal and financial transitions with clarity and direction. But they don’t capture who you are.
That’s why I often remind clients: the best estate plans protect both your assets and your legacy. It’s not about turning this into a huge production. It’s about showing up — one last time — with honesty, care, and your voice.
If you’d like help building an estate plan that does more than divide assets — one that truly reflects your values and protects what matters most — let’s talk. You can reach me at 402-259-0059 or email zach@zandersonlaw.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a personal legacy in estate planning?
Your personal legacy is the non-financial impact you leave behind — your values, beliefs, stories, memories, and traditions. It’s what your family will remember about who you were, not just what you owned.
Is a legacy letter legally binding?
No. A legacy letter or video message is not legally binding. It’s a personal document or recording that complements your formal estate plan and helps share your voice, wishes, or reflections.
Can personal legacy planning be part of my estate plan?
Yes. Many people choose to include written letters, video messages, or other legacy materials with their estate planning documents. While these don’t carry legal weight, they can guide your loved ones emotionally and help bring your legal plan to life.
What’s the best way to pass on stories or advice?
There’s no perfect method. You might write a letter, keep a journal, record short voice notes or videos, or even annotate photos or recipes with stories. What matters most is that it’s honest, personal, and in your voice.
How does this affect my legal estate documents?
It doesn’t change the legal effect of your will, trust, or powers of attorney. But your reflections can shape how those documents are structured — for example, how a trust is set up or what guidance you give for personal belongings.