Honoring Grandparents & Preserving Family Legacy Through Estate Planning

Grandparents hold a special place in our hearts. They’re the storytellers, the keepers of traditions, and the ones who often bind the family together. With Grandparents Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can honor their legacy through thoughtful estate planning.

I remember a client, Margaret, who came to Skipton Law with a unique request. She was a grandmother of five and had recently celebrated her 75th birthday. Margaret wasn’t just thinking about her assets—she was focused on leaving behind something meaningful for her grandchildren. She didn’t want her legacy to be just a number on a check; she wanted it to carry the love, values, and memories she’d cherished throughout her life.

One of the first things we discussed was creating family heirlooms. Margaret had a beautiful collection of jewelry passed down from her own grandmother. Instead of simply dividing it among her grandchildren, she decided to write a note for each piece, explaining its history and why it was special. These heirlooms would now be more than just items—they’d be treasured reminders of her and the family’s history.

Margaret was also a great storyteller. She’d spent countless hours sharing tales of her childhood and family traditions with her grandchildren. To preserve these stories, we suggested documenting them in a way that could be passed down through generations. Margaret chose to create a memory book, filled with photos, handwritten stories, and even some of her favorite recipes. It became a project she worked on with her grandchildren, turning it into a precious family keepsake that would be cherished long after she was gone.

Finally, Margaret wanted to invest in her grandchildren’s futures. Education was something she valued deeply, and she knew how much it could change a life. We discussed setting up educational funds for each grandchild. This not only provided financial support for their future but also allowed Margaret to be a part of their journey, even after she was no longer around. Knowing that her legacy would help her grandchildren pursue their dreams brought her immense joy.

Margaret’s story is a reminder of the many ways we can honor our grandparents’ legacies. It’s not just about financial planning—it’s about preserving the values, traditions, and memories that make a family unique.

As we celebrate Grandparents Day, consider how you can use estate planning to honor your grandparents or the grandparents in your life. Whether it’s through creating heirlooms, documenting family stories, or establishing educational funds, these gestures ensure that their legacy lives on in a way that truly reflects who they are.