Enjoy Today But Plan For Tomorrow
Written by Patrick G. Hubbard for “The Forest Image”
Having lived, worked, and traveled in other states, as well as foreign countries, I can say without a doubt that some of the best people in the world are right here in the Humble, Kingwood, and east Montgomery County area. I think that twenty-five years of meeting and working with thousands of people in this area makes me an authority. The remarkable diversity of this community fascinates me. We differ ethnically, culturally, and spiritually. We work at different kinds of jobs and we play different types of games. We are truly different and I enjoy the variety.
On the other hand, while we are all different, in some ways we are the same. I see the common threads of love for this country and concern for the welfare of our neighbors. Our families are the corner stones of our lives. We care about our spouses, children, and parents. As a lawyer, I see my clients being interested in providing for the welfare of their loved ones.
Unfortunately, I also see some who fail to make provisions for the future of their family. There is usually a reason for failing to act. One is that some of us do not want to think about death for any number of reasons. Another is procrastination; we all suffer from this to one degree or another. Some folks are just too busy while some can’t decide what to do. This is common in blended family situations. Others have children, spouses, or relatives with special needs, while some are experiencing anxiety or conflict in their close relationships. The reasons are many but the results are often strikingly similar, loved ones left to manage very important affairs at a time when grief and depression are rampant.
As a service to my clients, I suggest a few simple steps that will get them past this point of inertia. First, I suggest making a few simple notations. Start with a list of the kinds of property you own. The list starts with real estate followed by investments, household furnishings, vehicles, collectables, jewelry, personal effects, and retirement accounts, in no particular order. Next, make a list of the people who are important to you. This would normally include your spouse, children, parents, other relatives, special persons, and charities you support. Put them in the order of importance to you. Finally, write the names of persons you would trust to carry out your wishes or to see after your children. These people can serve as the executor of your estate or as trustee and perhaps guardians for your children. Making these simple lists is ninety percent of the work needed to get your affairs in order. All that remains is getting this information put in proper form and properly signed. As encouragement to get started, just remember that there is no right or wrong way to leave your property at your death. It’s your decision. You decide.
As a parting thought, I would like to invite clients, friends, and neighbors to come by my new office located at 1075 Kingwood Drive, Suite 203 in the Chase Bank building near the entrance of Kingwood off Highway 59. We are excited about the new space. Come see us.
Contact The Hubbard Law Firm for a confidential consultation to assist you with your legal needs. Licensed to practice in all courts in the State of Texas.
