There has been a lot of coverage about the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter as well as the other passengers who died in the helicopter crash. It makes me think of last conversations. So many have said I can’t believe that was the last time we were going to speak. No one at age 41 expects to die. We all want to be sure that we end every conversation in a loving way. It is also important to be loving in our estate planning. I often see that families are left in chaos because there was no will or trust for minor children.
When a person dies unexpectedly with minor children, it is critical to have a revocable living trust so that those minor children do not receive a large inheritance at age 18 when they are not mature enough to handle the management of funds. Or worse, if they are under age 18, the probate court will oversee each and every expenditure. Thank goodness that Kobe Bryant’s wife survives him to care for his other children. Had he not left behind his spouse, he would also have needed to name a guardian. Without a plan, one’s family is left with courts and conflict that can be easily prevented.
So as we reflect on yet another terrible celebrity death, let us all remember that the loving thing is to make sure that our affairs are in order and that we always leave nothing unfinished.
