Add Estate Planning to Back-To-School Planning

Across the state of Michigan, kids and parents are preparing to head back to school, falling into the routines that have been put on hold as families try to soak up what our Michigan summer has left to offer.

If you’ve been thinking about looking into estate planning, now is an ideal time to start the process. The start of a new school year brings a focus on planning the future and a natural time of reflection. As you do the work to prepare your children for a productive school year today, a proper estate plan is paramount to protecting their tomorrow.

A Guardianship Document

One of the most important elements in the estate planning process for parents is a guardianship document. While schools require you to list people who should be contacted in the event of an emergency, the guardianship document is integrated into your will and it lists who you would want to care for your kids in the case of an unexpected event. It’s important to ensure this document remains updated, or parents risk leaving the vital decision to the court system.

College Students & Power of Attorney

Their schooling flies by and before you know it, your kids are off to college. An estate plan can also include power of attorney that grants the legal power for a parent to act on behalf of their child, even if the child is over 18 years of age. This provides a range of protections, ensuring you can provide support and make critical decisions to support your college student. This can be as simple as having the ability to access their dorm if there’s an emergency.

At Shea Law, the estate planning process is rooted in preserving and protecting your legacy and bringing peace-of-mind to families. Protect your student this fall and beyond through cogent estate planning principles that will lay the foundation for a successful school year ahead.