When it comes to making arrangements for estate distributions upon one’s death, too many older adults are seized with a rather dramatic disease diagnosed as procrastination with a touch of denial.

Of course, we will all die — it’s a certainty, but many people do nothing about it while they are alive.  They think in terms of “if” I die and not “when” I die.  Denial makes them procrastinate on very important personal decisions they should be making.

Procrastination and denial have a remedy called “AWARE”.

A stands for Anguish.  When a loved one dies and leaves no instructions on what to do with his or her estate, the next of kin becomes angry and resentful of having to mentally and physically handle another person’s lifetime of accumulation.  The frustration, anger, resentment and guilt are in their voices when they call me to help them dispose of the household possessions.  So, alleviate this emotional strain by spending a small amount of time now when you are mentally and physically able to arrange your affairs yourself.

W stands for Will.  “Don’t leave life without it.”  Your Last Will and Testament is the wisest document you can possess.  Have an attorney help you, since template forms may not hold up in the statutory process for distributing assets.  Not just for those of wealth, a will is important for any well-prepared individual.  A will is needed to make sure you have designated the right beneficiary when your estate is distributed after your death.  The investment in time and money here is minimal compared to the anguish you will cause a loving family member or friend without one.

We’ll finish the remainder of “AWARE” in the next post!

© 2009 Julie Hall