By Legacy Plan on June 5th, 2023
People who are at retirement age or approaching that milestone might fondly remember those classic sitcoms of the late 1960s, early ‘70s and beyond that were based on unconventional family situations and the challenges they presented their casts of characters.
Those of a certain age grew up watching shows like “My Three Sons,” “The Brady Bunch” and “Family Affair” back when you could count the number of available broadcast channels with your fingers and cable TV was still in its infancy. Streaming and the internet, where the shows still appear today as reruns, remained decades away.
Despite having different storylines, those three nostalgic shows provide several common themes regarding proper estate planning. For example, when families include children under the age of 18, the importance of having a will that names guardians for them is of critical importance. Blended families like those in “The Brady Bunch” and “Family Affair” offer prime examples of issues created by second and subsequent marriages and why the use of a trust may be needed to safeguard the interests of each spouse’s children from previous relationships.
The sitcoms also demonstrate the importance of family communication to address unpredictable events, and they underscore the importance of creating, updating and maintaining a comprehensive estate plan to ensure your loved ones are protected and your wishes are honored. Take a closer look at each series and the lessons that can be learned…
These are just a few examples of the lessons that classic sitcoms can teach us about estate planning. It is important to remember that estate planning is not just about money. It is also about ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of after you are gone. Remember, every family is different, and the estate planning needs of each family will vary. It is important to speak with an estate planning attorney to create a plan that meets the specific needs of your family.
