A comprehensive plan is one that considers all aspects of your life, including your assets, debts, and family. It’s not just about leaving money to your children. It’s about ensuring your loved ones are taken care of, both financially and emotionally.

This is a common scenario in many families, where one spouse is reluctant to engage in estate planning, often due to fear of losing control, lack of knowledge, or simply not wanting to think about death. This reluctance can lead to a situation where one spouse is left to handle the entire estate planning process alone, which can be overwhelming and stressful. However, it is important to remember that estate planning is not just about avoiding taxes or leaving money to children. It is a crucial process that ensures the smooth transfer of assets and the protection of loved ones. It involves making decisions about how assets will be distributed, who will manage them, and what happens to them in the event of incapacity or death.

This statement is a controversial one, and it’s important to understand why. The idea of one spouse planning without the other’s input is often seen as a violation of partnership and equality. However, the reality is that many couples face challenges in planning for the future, and sometimes, one spouse may need to take the lead. This is not to say that one spouse should always be the sole planner. A healthy relationship requires a balance of shared responsibility and individual contributions. However, when faced with a situation where one spouse is unwilling to participate in planning, the other spouse has the right to take action.