Being of Sound Mind…
We genealogists spend most of our time digging into the past. But, at some point, it’s a good idea for us to turn around and look into the future of those well-documented family trees and heirlooms.
Modern estate-planning professionals offer guidance for passing on our homes and financial assets to the next generation. Sadly, family treasures and genealogy research are often omitted from any formal bequest.
Without a legacy plan, your carefully documented family tree may wither and die. And the boxes of old photos and documents you’ve spent a lifetime curating could be shipped off to an antiques dealer. The old adage “You can’t take it with you” mocks every researcher without a plan for the future of their genealogy life work.
Begin planning for the future of your genealogy by creating your own “genealogical will” or genealogy codicil. Such a document doesn’t need to be complicated, nor is it expensive to make. Another option is including language in your existing will—you do have a will, right?—that grants authority over digital assets. The right details in any of the aforementioned allow your representative to access email, Facebook, etc., should it be necessary.
If you’ve inherited a family home or estate, you can understand the challenge of trying to honor a loved one’s wishes. Your family and heirs will appreciate your thoughtfulness
