Millennials (born 1981 to 1996) are well known for their distinctiveness as a group. They have followed paths and set goals that are decidedly different from those chosen by previous generations. They are highly diverse, better educated, more socially conscious, and wait longer to have families than their parents and grandparents. But one thing millennials have in common with other generational groups is the need for estate planning. Unfortunately, a startling 79% of millennials do not have basic estate plans in place. Their needs and goals may vary, but having an estate plan in place is crucial for every adult, including millennials. Whether your clients are young or old, they do not know what the future holds, and together, we can help them put plans in place that not only provide for their own future needs but also those of their loved ones.

According to a 2015 study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, approximately 43.5 million caregivers provided unpaid care to an adult or child during the prior 12 months. Those who have taken on the role of caregivers for ill or disabled spouses, aging parents, children or other loved ones with special needs are typically selfless and giving individuals who may not stop to consider their own financial and estate planning needs. It is likely that you have clients who are providing this type of care. It is essential to broach this subject with your clients to ensure they have financial and estate plans in place that address both their own needs and those of their care recipients.

As their trusted advisor, you can encourage them not only to recognize their own emotional needs and develop the skills needed to deal with the stresses of caregiving, but to take the time to create financial and estate plans, or if they have those plans in place, to reevaluate them at regular intervals. It is crucial for caregivers to ensure not only that their own future is secure, but to also create plans that provide for their families and their care recipient if something should happen to them. The following are some suggestions about how you can help clients who are caregivers.

As your client’s trusted advisor, you may be the first person the family turns to when a family member or loved one passes away. Although it is important for your client to contact us soon to start the process of estate or trust administration, the shock and grief of losing a loved one are often overwhelming. Sometimes, family members simply need a brief respite before addressing these legal matters.

However, there are several practical and legal considerations that the person named as the executor of the estate or trustee of the trust should address in the initial weeks following the death, prior to the administration of the estate or trust. During this stressful and emotional period, your client may forget about certain tasks which may lead to problems if left undone, and there are important legal considerations your client must heed. Here is a list you can provide to your client of some important initial steps to take: