I’ve been a partner at Garda Insurance for twenty years, helping clients with legacy planning, among other things.
During this time, I’ve sat with countless families in their darkest moments. In just the past month and a half, I’ve witnessed three families face devastating loss. Some had their legacy planning in order. Others didn’t.
The difference in their experiences was profound. This reality stays with me every day as I work to protect families’ futures.
That’s why I want to share a conversation with my friend and colleague Court Pitcher. Court is the co-founder of LegacyLock estate planning software. Our friendship and professional relationship span nearly two decades. His story perfectly illustrates why legacy planning transcends documents and legal requirements. It’s about love, family, and protection. Legacy planning represents your final act of care for those who matter most.
When done right, legacy planning is much more than simple estate planning. In this article, I’ll explain the differences and why they matter so much.
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When Reality Hits Home
Court’s perspective on legacy planning changed forever in 2005. Within a single month, he lost two close friends in separate, tragic incidents. Both left behind young families. Their stories unfolded in dramatically different ways. These experiences would ultimately shape Court’s entire approach to helping families protect their futures.
The first friend hadn’t done any meaningful legacy planning. His widow was already caring for three young children. She was expecting their fourth child at the time. She found herself drowning in a sea of financial and legal complications. She couldn’t focus on grieving with her children.
Instead, she spent countless hours trying to navigate complex financial systems. She had to locate accounts and deal with legal requirements. Every piece of paperwork became another burden. Every unsigned document created new stress. Every unclear instruction added weight to her already heavy shoulders.
The emotions she was dealing with were plenty for one person to deal with. But on top of that, now she was having to worry about bank accounts during the worst time of her life.
I’ve seen this scenario play out too many times. Families shouldn’t face complex legal and financial mazes while grieving.
The second friend’s story reveals a different path. He had taken time to plan, prepare, and protect his family. His death still devastated his loved ones.
Nothing can truly prepare you for such a loss. But he left them a clear roadmap to follow. His careful planning created a defined path forward. His family could focus on supporting each other through their grief. They didn’t have to fight through administrative chaos. They could concentrate on preserving his memory. They helped their children adjust without spending countless hours in lawyers’ offices.
The Wake-Up Call We All Need to Complete Our Legacy Planning
Court was in his early thirties when these events occurred. He had a young family of his own. These contrasting experiences shook him to his core.
Like many people, he hadn’t done any significant legacy planning for his own family. The stark reality of what could happen spurred him into action.
The experience touched him so deeply that it transformed his life’s mission. He committed himself to helping other families avoid the struggles he witnessed. He developed a more comprehensive, human-centered approach to estate planning that he calls “legacy planning.”
His mission aligns perfectly with my own commitment to protecting families’ futures.
Why Traditional Estate Planning Fails Families
Through my years of experience, I’ve seen how traditional estate planning often misses the mark. It’s not that traditional estate planning is inherently bad. It just fails to address the full scope of what families truly need.
The process focuses heavily on legal technicalities. It often loses sight of the human element entirely.
My clients understand they need to plan for their family’s future. Yet traditional estate planning creates unnecessary roadblocks to taking action. They face astronomical attorney fees that can quickly spiral out of control. Many lawyers bill by the hour with no clear end in sight.
I’ve seen clients charged $1,500 just for simple language changes in existing documents.
The process becomes needlessly complex in many cases. Some attorneys seem to complicate matters simply to justify their high fees. Families struggle with the emotional weight of planning for mortality. Many put off this crucial planning because traditional approaches make it feel overwhelming.
I’ve watched too many families postpone protection because they feel intimidated by the process. Attorneys often strive for perfection at the expense of practicality.
I tell my clients that sometimes having a plan in place beats waiting for perfection. You can always refine your strategy later as needed.
Legacy Planning: A Revolution in Family Protection
As Court puts it, legacy planning is everything estate planning should be, but isn’t.
This statement represents a fundamental shift in how we approach family protection. Legacy planning a comprehensive strategy that brings together legal protection and financial planning. It integrates family care into one cohesive approach.
Traditional estate planning usually stops after creating legal documents. Court discovered early on that families need much more than just paperwork. They need someone to bridge estate planning and financial planning together. They need guidance through the human elements of passing on their legacy. They need help protecting assets and managing insurance coverage.
Clear communication of wishes is essential to the process.
The Difference Between Estate Planning and Legacy Planning
Estate planning focuses primarily on creating legal documents that specify how your assets will be distributed after death. It’s document-centric and typically ends once the paperwork is complete.
Legacy planning, on the other hand, is a comprehensive approach. It combines those essential legal documents with ongoing financial planning, asset protection, and family support. It includes help with funding trusts, updating beneficiaries, and managing insurance coverage. The plan adapts as your life changes.
Think of estate planning as creating a blueprint, while legacy planning helps you build and maintain the entire house. Legacy planning keeps working for your family throughout your life. This is done through regular reviews, unlimited updates, and continuous support. This ensures your plan stays current and effective.
Think about two different approaches to protecting your family. One gives you a folder of legal documents. The other gives you a complete protection plan. Legacy planning does more than create documents. It ensures your family has real guidance and support. Traditional estate planning gives you paperwork. Legacy planning gives you peace of mind and practical help.
Legacy Planning Transfers Values to Prevent “Trust Fund Babies”
Legacy planning goes beyond transferring wealth. When done right, it helps you pass on your core values and life philosophy.
The Rockefeller Method, as detailed in What Would the Rockefellers Do?, demonstrates this powerful approach. Click here to get your free copy now.
Through a carefully structured trust, you can encourage positive behaviors and support meaningful pursuits across generations.
Your legacy planning can empower heirs to live purposeful lives rather than creating dependency.
For example, you might structure your trust to help fund education, support entrepreneurial ventures, or match charitable giving. You can include provisions that reward reading, learning, or community service. This approach helps prevent the “trust fund baby” syndrome.
Think of your legacy plan as a magnifying glass for good. When properly structured, it provides resources for heirs who demonstrate responsibility and create value.
Estate planning is about transferring and distributing wealth. Legacy planning is about much more. It’s about helping future generations discover their purpose and make meaningful contributions to society. The financial structure supports a larger vision built on your family’s values.
The Human Approach to Legacy Planning
Legacy planning begins by understanding your family’s unique situation and needs. We don’t believe in using pre-made templates for every family. Instead, we create plans that reflect your personal values and relationships. We ensure proper protection for your children and spouse. We help your legacy continue supporting those you love.
The process starts with essential documents but extends far beyond basic paperwork. Your legacy plan becomes a living strategy. It grows and changes alongside your family over time. We include all necessary legal protections and directives. More importantly, we show how these tools work together effectively.
I’ve witnessed these documents prove invaluable in unexpected situations. Recently, a client needed to use their financial power of attorney. Their son faced a year of incarceration during a difficult time. This document helped them manage his affairs effectively. It protected his family while he couldn’t be present.
Ready to create a legacy plan that truly protects your family? Schedule a complimentary legacy planning consultation now.
Protection That Evolves with Your Life
Life changes continually as time passes. Children grow up and start their own families. Relationships evolve in unexpected ways. Your legacy planning must keep pace with these natural changes. Regular reviews ensure your plan stays current and effective.
I’ve managed my own estate planning for two decades now. It requires consistent updates to remain effective. Sometimes we need to revise how stepchildren are included. New assets often require additional protection measures. Laws change periodically, requiring strategy updates.
Traditional estate planning typically leaves families alone to figure out these changes. Legacy planning provides ongoing support for necessary updates.
LegacyLock includes unlimited revisions for a small annual fee. This makes maintaining current protection simple and affordable.
The Privacy Factor: Protecting Your Family’s Personal Matters
Many people overlook the crucial aspect of privacy in estate planning. Estates without proper planning must go through probate court. Probate makes your family’s private matters accessible to anyone interested in looking. Your financial details become public record.
I place high value on privacy in my personal life. I’ve helped administer several estates over the years. Even with proper documentation, the process creates challenges for families. Without proper planning, families face unnecessary administrative burdens. They lose privacy during an already difficult period.
A properly structured legacy plan maintains your family’s privacy through difficult transitions. It protects their dignity during vulnerable moments. Your family’s financial matters stay confidential. Personal relationships and inheritance decisions remain private.
Making Legacy Planning Accessible
Traditional estate planning often costs between $5,000 and $10,000 or more. These high costs prevent many families from getting crucial protection.
In contrast, LegacyLock estate planning software makes comprehensive planning available for just $1,995. This includes lifetime updates and changes.
The true value extends far beyond mere cost savings. We provide genuine peace of mind for families. Your loved ones won’t face the challenges that Court’s friend’s widow encountered. They’ll have clarity and direction when they need it most. We give them security during difficult transitions.
Your Family’s Future Starts Today
Here’s an important truth many people don’t realize about estate planning. Everyone already has an estate plan in place. If you haven’t created one, your state government has one for you. The choice becomes clear when you understand this reality.
Do you want government regulations determining your family’s future? Or would you prefer making these crucial decisions yourself?
I’ve witnessed both scenarios play out numerous times throughout my career. Some families struggle through probate while grieving their loss. Others find support through thoughtful legacy planning during difficult times.
The difference usually comes down to one simple decision. Will you take action now or continue postponing this crucial planning?
Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your family’s future. Schedule your free legacy planning consultation today. Let’s create a plan that truly protects those you love. Your family’s security deserves an hour of your time.