The traditional approach to estate planning in America is a challenging system, at best. The chance of a sauccessful planning experience is remote if you define “success” as “meeting people’s expectations”.

Most people consider the subject of death and dying taboo, and as a result, professionals have created a reactive system that has the capability of producing as many problems as it solves. The process usually starts with professional advisors accommodating the individual’s desire to make the process as short as possible (think: trip to the dentist!). Sadly, as long as the experience is short and relatively painless, most “planning” experiences are treated as “successful”. However, this is an extreme disservice to you and your loved ones because those you love are often left to suffer the consequences of this type of planning.

Professionals rely on sterile form documents, with little effort to educate individuals about their options, and the additional steps necessary to actually produce results. This includes financial advisors who recommend simple document acquisition, and attorneys who perpetuate the myth that the documents accomplish everything. In reality, people accomplish the tasks associated with estate planning, and people receive the benefit, or bear the brunt of, the results produced through the planning process.

Understanding the steps needed for success, customizing the plan to fit your family, and preparing your family to effectively implement the plan are critical steps to producing a smooth transition upon disability and death. These steps are regularly disregarded in most estate plans because they take more time and effort.

There is a better process available for those who take the time to seek it out. If you have questions, I encourage you to gain more knowledge about the available estate planning options, by visiting www.EstatePlansThatWork.com to sign up for a complimentary educational workshop.