An Estate Plan Should Be More Than Just Transferring Assets
When most people think about estate planning, they focus on the basics: Who will get my house? My bank accounts? My personal property?
And yes — that part matters. Having a clear, legally sound plan for how your assets will be handled is absolutely essential. But if that’s all you’re doing with your estate plan, I’d argue — you’re missing something important.
Because your legacy isn’t just about money. It’s about who you are.
The values you hold. The stories you’ve lived. The lessons you’ve learned. The love you’ve given.
When you’re going through the estate planning process — and that process naturally prompts some reflection about the future — I encourage clients to also ask:
What do I want to leave behind that isn’t measured in dollars?
What stories do I want my children and grandchildren to know?
What lessons have I learned that I’d want them to carry forward?
What family traditions do I hope will continue?
What simple memories can I leave them with — not just things, but moments and meaning?
And here’s the thing: this reflection can even inform your legal planning. For example, thinking about a beneficiary’s needs or values might shape how you structure a trust. Considering the sentimental importance of certain items might influence what instructions you leave for their care.
Your estate plan provides the framework — but your personal legacy is the heart and soul that fills it.
Now, this doesn’t have to be some grand production. Even a simple hand-written letter tucked into your estate planning binder can be a profound gift. You don’t need a polished video or an elaborate memoir. Authenticity is what matters.
Some clients choose to write a letter. Some record a video on their phone. Some pass along a favorite recipe, a story of a life lesson, or a small journal of reflections. The format doesn’t matter. What matters is that it comes from you.
And here’s the truth: many people intend to do this at some point — but life gets busy, and they don’t get around to it. When you’re already sitting down to create or update your estate plan, it’s the perfect time to think about this other part of your legacy.
If you’d like to talk about building an estate plan that does more than just move assets — a plan that truly reflects who you are — I can help guide you through the questions that uncover your deeper intentions, beyond the balance sheet.
You can contact me at 402-259-0059 or email zach@zandersonlaw.com. I’m here to help you create a plan that protects both your assets — and your legacy.