** This article has been revised from its original version which was published on August 26, 2022.

As an estate planning attorney in New York, I have often thought that estate plans are like a puzzle. In order to have a comprehensive estate plan, you need to have all the puzzle pieces that relate to your life goals, and they need a proper fit. Once completed, you can see the whole picture — a well-protected legacy at any stage of life.

On Sunday at church, Father Daniel Gatti shared his thoughts reflecting on a 1,000-piece puzzle and discovered “10 Reasons Why Life Is Like a Large Jigsaw Puzzle.”

These are the 10 reasons:

1. It’s a challenge, a task to be completed
2. It can be tedious, and there will be trial and error
3. You have to try and try again, remaining hopeful
4. You should never give up
5. It requires attention to the big picture AND small details
6. There IS a solution
7. It’s important to recognize patterns and connections
8. Patience and perseverance are required
9. Assistance is welcomed and appreciated
10. Completion brings great joy and satisfaction

Estate Planning has a Puzzle for Every Life Circumstance

Father Gatti suggests that you take on a large jigsaw puzzle and learn about life … And I suggest getting your house in order by gathering the pieces of your estate planning puzzle. A custom estate plan protects and provides for your loved ones no matter what happens. And preparing for life’s challenges prevents potential problems and confusion in a crisis.

Here are some critical pieces of the estate plan puzzle to consider:

1. Durable Power of Attorney
2. Health Care Proxy
3. Living Will
4. Last Will and Testament (Will)
5. Revocable Living Trusts
6. Long-Term Care Plan
7. ILITs for Insurance
8. Retirement Plan
9. Family Protection Trusts
10. Estate Tax Plan

Each of these documents provides the frame of your puzzle, and customizing them adds details that allow you to resolve specific concerns you have now and in the future. Understanding your goals is what determines the path to take and the most effective legal strategy. When implementing an estate plan, it’s important to consult with and retain experienced estate planning attorneys who know how to complete the puzzle to ensure proper asset protection, prepare for medical emergencies, and preserve your family legacy.

At Russo Law Group, our estate planning attorneys in New York can help you put all the estate plan puzzle pieces together, including wills and trusts, to create a comprehensive strategy that protects both you and your family.

Contact us for more information and take advantage of free seminars and webinars to learn more about how wills and trusts, along with other estate planning documents, help you navigate life’s challenges and provides you with peace of mind. You can also call our law firm to speak with one of our experienced elder law and estate planning attorneys today at 1 (800) 680-1717.