Maybe it started the first time we took a deep breath and blew out the candles on our first birthdays Or perhaps it was when made our first wish upon a star. Quietly we made a wish and take care to tell no one in hopes that the wish would come true. Whenever it began, the practice of keeping our most personal hopes and dreams to ourselves is a tradition that parents, in large number, tend to, initially, revive when it comes to their estate planning (doing a Will and Trust for their spouses and minor children) Regardless of how we’ve come to view this document, in this case, keeping your wishes secret really isn’t the best idea. A Will is your final opportunity to give expression to your personal wishes regarding your estate, your spouse and your children. If you keep your wishes to yourself, and not do any planning, then a court of law will make those wishes for you.
Here is a great pamphlet provided by the Oregon State Bar that you can use as a resource.
http://www.osbar.org/public/pamphlets/yourwill.html
The Bar website has loads more great informational publications on a whole variety of legal topics. But if you ever want to learn more or discuss your particular wishes, goals and planning idea/concerns always feel free to give me a call or send me an e-mail through this site.