Smart Families Start Here: Essential Estate Planning Moves
August brings a fresh energy, school supplies are stocked, routines return, and families are back in motion.
It’s a month of planning and making smart choices for the year to come. At Russo Law Offices, we believe estate planning belongs right alongside those decisions. Because the smartest families aren’t just planning for today, they’re protecting their future.
Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy or Elderly
Many people think they can put off estate planning until retirement, or assume they don’t have “enough” to plan for. The truth is, estate planning is for anyone who loves their family.
Whether you’re a new parent, sending your child off to college, navigating a blended family, or entering a second marriage, a strong estate plan gives you clarity, control, and peace of mind.
Here’s How Smart Families Are Taking Action This August:
1. College-Bound? Your Child Needs These Documents.
If your child is 18 or older, you no longer have automatic access to their medical or financial records. That means if there’s an emergency, you may be blocked from helping.
Smart families are preparing:
Power of Attorney (POA) for financial decisions
Health Care Proxy for medical emergencies
HIPAA Authorization to access medical records
2. Our Power of Attorney Package for Young Adults
At Russo Law Offices, we offer a streamlined Power of Attorney service specifically for young adults, including students heading off to college. For a one-time flat fee, we create:
A Durable Power of Attorney
A Health Care Proxy
A HIPAA Release Form
These documents empower you to step in if your child experiences a medical emergency, needs help managing finances, or becomes incapacitated while away from home.
This is one of the most straightforward and most essential steps you can take to protect your child as they enter adulthood.
3. Set Up a Trust to Avoid Probate and Protect Your Privacy
A trust isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s a smart tool for any family that wants to:
Keep assets out of court
Minimize family conflict
Control how and when assets are distributed
Protect minor children or family members with special needs
4. Update Your Plan if Your Family Has Changed
Marriage, divorce, new children, new homelife - life moves fast. If your estate plan hasn’t kept up, now’s the time.
We review and update:
Beneficiaries
Guardianship designations
Asset protection strategies
Healthcare directives
5. Don’t Leave Decisions to the Courts
If something happens to you, do your loved ones know what to do in case of an emergency
Estate planning allows you to:
Choose who will care for your children
Decide who manages your finances and healthcare
Keep peace and clarity for your family
Leaving it up to chance or the courts can create unnecessary pain and confusion.
Final Thoughts:
Smart families don’t wait for a crisis. They plan.
If this back-to-school season has you thinking about the future, we’re here to help you take the next step. At Russo Law Offices, we make estate planning approachable, affordable, and customized to your family’s needs.
Ready to make a smart move?
Book a free consultation or learn more about our Young Adult POA Package today.
Get Started Today: Download our FREE Guide to Writing a Will to learn more about your options and get started with confidence.
*The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Each individual's situation is unique, and the laws regarding estate planning can vary by jurisdiction. It is essential to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and to receive personalized legal advice. Russo Law Offices is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information contained in this post.