George Washington was a great example in many areas, even in estate planning, and his influence is still relevant today. The first president provided an excellent example of the importance of a thorough will and being very specific when drafting an estate plan. Washington used his plan as a way to establish his legacy, maintain control over what happened to his estate and protect his family. Georgia readers can do the same with their wills and plans.
Estate planning is not an easy process. This is something that even Washington acknowledged. He mentioned that he took hours to deliberate and think about the choices he made. Drafting a will can be challenging, which is why it is helpful to think long term and consider what will work best for beneficiaries. Like Washington’s will, a person can make his or her estate plan suit individual needs.
There is no one-size-fits-all estate plan. Every will and document can be custom tailored to meet the needs and objectives of the individual. In addition to clearly communicating desires and goals through a well-drafted will, a person will also find it helpful to communicate his or her wishes by talking with loved ones about intentions.
Verbal communication with loved ones and beneficiaries is important, as is using precise terminology in every document. This can help Georgians ensure their wishes are followed as outlined in their wills. When crafting estate plans, it may be beneficial to following the example of one of our country’s founding fathers by being clear, thorough and intentional with the choices made.