A New Year’s Resolution You Shouldn’t Ignore: Estate Planning for Your Family
As the new year begins, many people set resolutions focused on health, finances, or personal growth. While those goals matter, there’s one resolution that can have a lasting impact on your family’s future—estate planning, especially if you have children.
Families come in many forms. Whether you’re married, partnered, co-parents, part of a blended family, or raising children in an LGBTQ+ household, estate planning helps ensure your family is protected, respected, and legally secure.
Why Estate Planning Matters for Families with Children
Life changes quickly—new children, evolving relationships, career shifts, or moves to new states can all affect your legal and financial planning. For LGBTQ+ parents and non-traditional families, estate planning is especially important to make sure your intentions are clearly documented and legally enforceable.
Making estate planning a New Year’s resolution allows you to:
Name guardians for minor children
Protect parental rights and caregiving roles
Provide financial stability for your family
Ensure decision-makers reflect your chosen family
Reduce the risk of court involvement or family disputes
Without a plan in place, state laws—not you—may determine who makes decisions for your children.
Guardianship: Protecting Your Children and Your Family Structure
Naming a guardian is one of the most important decisions parents can make. A guardian is the person who would care for your children if you are no longer able to do so.
For LGBTQ+ families, clearly documenting guardianship is critical to:
Affirm your wishes in writing
Prevent challenges from individuals who may not recognize your family structure
Provide stability and continuity for your children
An estate plan ensures your children are raised by the people you trust, in an environment that reflects your values and love.
Financial Planning with Your Children in Mind
Children cannot legally manage inherited assets on their own. Estate planning tools such as trusts help ensure that money is:
Used for education, healthcare, and daily needs
Managed by a trusted person or professional
Distributed according to your timeline, not a default legal age
This approach protects your children and provides long-term support, regardless of family structure.
Healthcare and Decision-Making: Protecting Parents and Children
Estate planning also safeguards your family while you are alive. Healthcare directives and powers of attorney allow you to:
Name someone you trust to make medical decisions
Ensure your partner or co-parent has legal authority
Avoid confusion or exclusion during emergencies
These documents are especially important for LGBTQ+ individuals, as legal recognition may not always be assumed without proper planning.
Why Families Delay—and Why Now Is the Right Time
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially for busy parents. Some people delay because they think they’re too young, don’t have enough assets, or plan to “do it later.”
But planning now:
Protects children at every stage of life
Reduces uncertainty during difficult moments
Provides peace of mind for parents and caregivers
Estate planning is not about expecting the worst—it’s about preparing thoughtfully and responsibly.
Simple Steps to Start This Year
You don’t need everything figured out at once. Start with these steps:
List your children, partners, and key caregivers
Decide who should serve as guardians, trustees, and decision-makers
Review beneficiary designations and legal documents
Work with an estate planning professional who understands LGBTQ+ families
Update your plan as your family grows and changes
Even a basic plan can make a meaningful difference.
A Loving Resolution for the New Year
Estate planning is one of the most meaningful acts of care you can offer your children. It provides clarity, protection, and reassurance—no matter what the future holds.
This new year, make a resolution to protect your family, honor your relationships, and ensure your children’s well-being. Estate planning isn’t just about assets—it’s about love, inclusion, and peace of mind.