Fans from around the world are gearing up for some of the most exciting soccer games in the last four years. Many will don their jerseys, head to their favorite spot, and enjoy 90 minutes of excitement. While soccer and estate planning may seem worlds apart, the lessons that make World Cup teams successful are surprisingly similar to the principles that help families protect themselves through proper estate planning.

The Best Teams Plan Before They Need To

Countries traveled from all over the world to the World Cup. But strategy began long before the opening whistle. Coaches, strategists, and players spent years developing techniques, strengthening plans, and training immensely. Part of this includes preparing for situations they hope never occur, like injuries and penalties.

Estate planning works the same way. Most people delay estate planning because life gets busy, their family is healthy, and they believe they have plenty of time. However, life is unpredictable, and estate planning is often easiest when there is no immediate emergency. Working on your estate planning in advance gives you the opportunity to thoughtfully consider who you want to be responsible for certain decisions or who should inherit from you. The families who navigate these challenges most successfully are often the ones who planned before they had to.

Every Team Needs a Strong Captain

The strength of a team often relies on the captain’s leadership in times of stress. The “Captain” of your estate plan will be the individuals you choose to act on your behalf. Your executor, successor trustee, agent in a power of attorney are the individuals who will make some of the most important decisions when you cannot. Choosing these people is one of the most important parts of the planning process. The right person is not always the oldest child, the closest relative, or the person who volunteers first. Like a team captain, the best choice is often the person who is responsible, trustworthy, and capable of handling pressure.

Estate Planning is a Team Sport

World Cup teams know to prepare for every scenario on and off the field, they do not rely on one strategy for every game. A well-versed team is more than one player, and relies on more than one strategy. Estate plans should be dynamic, and often involve a combination of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, beneficiary designations, and other planning tools working together toward a common goal. A team wins because every player understands their role. An estate plan succeeds when every document works together as intended.

We Can Help Coach You To Success

Although we have a month of sportsmanship, hard work, and entertainment in front of us, the end of July will soon arrive, and a champion will inevitably be named when the final whistle is called. The team who takes home the trophy will be the team who prepared for every possibility, worked together, and earned the wins. The best teams do not leave success up to chance. Rather they prepare, communicate, and execute a plan.

“"Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing." - Ted Lasso, Apple TV

Your “team” deserves the same level of preparation. Our estate planning attorneys at Lardiere McNair and Stonebrook are ready and able to be a coach, passionate fan, and professional commentator to ensure your plan meets your goals. We want to ensure that every necessary step is taken to ensure that your team is taken care of and you are prepared for every penalty, red card, and substitution. 

If you have not reviewed your estate plan recently—or if you have never created one—now may be the perfect time to start building your own game plan.

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