The Unexpected Link Between Men’s Health and Estate Planning

June marks Men’s Health Month, a time to spotlight health issues that primarily affect men and to promote early detection and treatment for men and boys. This month, gentlemen, it’s all about you. While you know that maintaining your health can prolong and improve your quality of life, have you ever considered how your health influences your future, your legacy, and the well-being of those you love?

This brings us to estate planning, which is just as vital as your physical health. It may seem strange to link the two, but bear with me. By the end of this article, the connection will be crystal clear.

The Connection Between Your Health and Estate Planning

When you think of estate planning, you might envision wills, trusts, and a heap of legal paperwork. That’s probably what came to mind when you saw the title of this article. However, I want to challenge that assumption: these documents are merely the byproducts of estate planning.

You might be wondering, "How are documents the 'byproduct' of estate planning?" Here's what I mean:

Estate planning is fundamentally about ensuring your wishes are honored if you become incapacitated, allowing you to live and die with dignity. It's about making sure the people you love most know that they were cared for in life and are provided for after you’re gone. It's also about sparing them the pain, conflict, and expense of navigating a legal quagmire without a plan. Estate planning supports your loved ones to grieve in peace, avoiding the turmoil of a lengthy, expensive court process and the confusion of tracking down your assets or understanding your wishes.

Moreover, estate planning is about leaving a legacy. Contrary to the common belief that legacy is tied solely to money and reserved for the wealthy or philanthropic, legacy is about the impact you make on those you hold dear. It defines your humanity and what you stood for. Putting your affairs in order now, so your loved ones don’t have to deal with chaos later, is a legacy. Making it clear that you loved and cared for your family is a legacy.

So, how does your health connect with estate planning?

Your health plays a significant role in shaping your future preparations and structuring your estate plan. While “health” encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, we'll focus on physical health here.

Let’s explore the direct link between your physical health and estate planning. By prioritizing your physical health, you not only enjoy life with more ease but also simplify your estate planning process.

Longevity and Retirement Savings: Your physical health directly impacts your lifespan, which in turn affects how long your retirement savings need to last. If you maintain good physical health, you’re likely to live longer and will need a more extensive plan regarding your assets for your extended life.

Healthcare Decisions: Consider the potential need for long-term care. Conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia might require specific care solutions. Your estate plan should ensure you’re financially prepared for these possibilities and clearly outline your care preferences if you cannot make decisions yourself. This is why you need a healthcare power of attorney or a living will in your plan. These documents designate the person (or people) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Without these, a judge—a complete stranger—could appoint someone to act on your behalf, possibly someone you don’t trust or want making decisions for you. In the worst-case scenario, a judge could appoint a professional conservator who might drain your estate financially.

Disability and Its Impact: Poor health can lead to disability, affecting your ability to manage your affairs. Including a disability clause in your estate plan ensures your assets are managed according to your wishes, even if you can’t oversee them personally. A revocable living trust can be particularly useful here, allowing your chosen person or entity to manage your affairs without court intervention. Without a plan, a judge will make decisions for you, which may not align with your wishes.

Understanding the potential consequences of neglecting your physical health and its direct link to estate planning, let’s move on to practical steps you can take now to prevent negative outcomes for you and your family.

Actionable Steps to Connect Health and Estate Planning

Unless you’re already incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself, it's not too late—or too early—to take action. Death and incapacity can strike at any age. By facing this reality and planning accordingly, you can live with more ease, joy, and less stress. Truly.

If you haven’t planned for the future, here are some practical steps you can take now:

Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Regular medical examinations are essential. They help detect illnesses early and provide a clear picture of your health, which is crucial for accurate estate planning. Discovering a health condition early allows you to plan accordingly. If you wait, it might be too late to set your plan in place.

Update Your Estate Plan Regularly: As your health changes, so should your estate plan. Make it a habit to review and update your plan regularly or whenever there is a significant change in your health. As a Personal Family Lawyer®, I can help you create your initial plan and, through a unique process called Life & Legacy Planning®, provide a free review of your plan at least every three years. This ensures your plan stays updated as your health, life, and assets change. Without updates, your plan could fail, leading your family to court and increasing the likelihood of conflict.

Discuss Your Plans Openly: Have open conversations with your family about your healthcare wishes and how they relate to your estate plan. Taking this courageous and possibly uncomfortable step can significantly reduce the likelihood of family conflict. Make sure to discuss your preferences for end-of-life care, which can create discord if left unclear.

Consult a Professional Who Cares: I approach estate planning with heart, always keeping your best interests—and those of your loved ones—in mind. I not only help you establish your plan but also work to keep your family out of court and conflict, ensuring your legacy is one of love and care. Additionally, I can assist in navigating difficult family discussions about your wishes, so you can feel confident knowing you’ve done everything possible to preserve family bonds.

Our Commitment to You and Your Family’s Future

At our Personal Family Lawyer® Firm, we understand the crucial connection between your physical health and your estate planning needs. Our commitment extends beyond legal documentation; we strive to ensure your life's work and values are preserved with dignity and clarity. By recognizing the specific challenges and opportunities that stem from your health, we create estate plans that protect your assets, well-being, and family's future.

This Men's Health Month, take a proactive step toward safeguarding your legacy and enhancing your peace of mind. Contact us to learn how our Life & Legacy Planning® process can align your health priorities with your estate planning goals. Click here to schedule a 15-minute consultation and discuss your next best steps:

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This article is a service of 20WestLegal LLC. We don't just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you've ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule an Initial Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.