Memorial Day 2026

My office is closed today in observance of Memorial Day.

Still, though, I wanted to share some thoughts about estate planning and charitable giving in the context of the day.

Today, we honor those who faught for many of the rights we work to protect in the estate planning process. Estate planning is an opportunity to put meaning and the full force of law behind those values and the legacy you wish to leave behind.

All too often, though, the estate planning discussion can be technical -- having the correct documents, the proper tax defense planning, the right asset protection planning. In my office, we are also mindful that estate planning is also deeply personal. It's about property, privacy, and personal legacy.

Memorial Day, of all days, is a time to consider legacy and values. For many of my clients, that means contributing to charity. There are many ways to incorporate charitable giving as part of your estate plan. If structured propertly, charitable giving can also come with tax benefits -- and you don't necessarily need to be particularly wealthy to benefit from the tax breaks.

Sometimes I discuss with my clients the respective upsides and down sides to giving to charity during lifetime versus after death throuhg an estate plan. You can donate to charities like Wounded Warrior Project or Towers to Tunnels, or to organizations with missions that are consistent with your values.

A big genuine thanks to those who have served and to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let's honor their legacies, and ensure we pay attention to our own.