Leaving a Legacy - A Meaningful Approach to Estate Planning
December has a way of slowing us down, a rhythm shaped by longer nights and colder temperatures. It’s a time for taking stock of what mattered most throughout the past year. That’s why December can be an ideal moment to think about estate planning in a new way: not just as a legal task, but as an opportunity to shape the kind of legacy you want to leave.
When most people hear the phrase estate plan, they think of documents that distribute property, name beneficiaries, and outline financial decisions. And while those documents are an important part of your plan, an estate plan can also reflect something deeper: the values you’ve lived by, the causes you care about, and the stories you hope your loved ones will be telling around the holiday table long after you’re gone.
Your legacy is more than what you own; it’s also what you’ve stood for.
Legacy Through Charitable Giving
One meaningful way to express those values is through charitable giving. December is already a month when many people donate to organizations they love — from a local pet shelter to a global healthcare organization — and those same commitments can be woven into your long-term planning. By making a simple bequest, naming a charity as a beneficiary, or creating a charitable trust or donor-advised fund, you can ensure your estate plan makes a lasting impact and supports the work that has shaped your life. Thoughtful planning ensures your generosity carries forward while inviting your children and grandchildren into the conversation.
Legacy Through Words
Legacy doesn’t end with financial decisions. More people are choosing to leave behind legacy letters — personal documents that share the stories, lessons, and hopes they want future generations to remember. These projects can take many forms, but all aim to preserve something meaningful and pass along the values and experiences that shape us. They connect who we’ve been, who we are, and who we hope to be. While not legal instruments, they’re often the most treasured part of an estate plan because they reflect your heart. Think of them as a way to explain the “why” behind your choices. You can write a legacy letter on your own or with a guide. No matter the approach, including one with your estate plan helps ensure your values live on alongside your assets.
Legacy Through Living Today
Of course, legacy is not only something we leave behind; it’s also something we build every day. As you look back on the past year, you may find yourself reflecting on the habits, relationships, and priorities defining your life right now. This reflection can be a helpful part of the estate-planning process, too. The more clearly you understand the legacy you want to create, the more confidently you can make decisions that support it.
In other words, determining how you want to be remembered in the future helps you choose how you want to live today.
If you’re considering updating your estate plan — or creating one for the first time — this season can be a great time to start. An attorney at Miroslavich Law can help you organize the legal details, explore charitable options, and develop a plan that fits you!
As the year wraps up, may this December offer space to connect and consider the kind of legacy you hope to leave. And if you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you turn those intentions into a thoughtful, meaningful plan. Contact us today for a free consultation!
