My grandmother obsessed with fairness, and when it came to her five grandchildren. She literally kept a log (right down to the penny) of how much money she spent on each of us throughout the year. And at the end of the year, we would get a check that made everything even. She was such a sweet lady.
Do you think we thought that was fair, though? You’d think that would be the case, but my four cousins and I — as grateful as we were to have her in our lives — could spend hours explaining why that method wasn’t fair.
I share this story because all too many times, our clients at Leigh Hilton PLLC ask, “I am thinking about doing this with my assets. Is that fair to my children or my grandchildren?” And my response is always this: No matter how hard you try to be fair to your kids and grandkids, I can guarantee they will come back and tell you why it was not fair. Please do not obsess over how to be fair — all that will happen is that you will get tangled up in it and lose sight of what is right for you!
The real question you should be asking
When putting an estate plan together, ask yourself, “What do I want to do?” What would make you feel good about how you are leaving assets to your kids and family? THAT is the plan we ought to put together.
At the end of the day — this is your plan. Whatever you want to put together, we help make that happen.
Will it be fair? Maybe — maybe not. But it will be your carefully-crafted wishes. And that is all that matters.
Call Leigh Hilton PLLC today!!
At Leigh Hilton PLLC, we try our very best to make the estate planning process as seamless and personable as possible. And the first step is always to meet with you. The purpose of the initial meeting is actually to get to know you, your family, and your situation so that we can customize a plan based on your unique family situation.
We have ample experience with wills and trusts and will take into consideration your particular situation. Proper planning of an estate, whether through a will, trust, or both, helps ensure your wishes are carried out.
Leigh Hilton PLLC wants to be your first call every time for any estate planning need. We look forward to serving you.
Thanks for reading!
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