Life Essentials

In the past six posts, I have shared information about various estate planning documents and considerations. I hope that has been helpful. Today, I share with you some personal thoughts about estate planning.

Estate Planning is something that people avoid doing for many different reasons. For some, it's an uncomfortable subject, others think that it's only for rich people. For many, it doesn't feel urgent, until the day it absolutely is. The term "estate planning" is associated with death and dying, funeral planning, and financial strategizing. It is challenging to help people understand that the protections that come with estate planning are essential at every age and in every life situation.

Honestly, I think the term "estate planning" is archaic and does not capture all it entails, some of which I have discussed in past posts found here: Legal Document Preparation and Estate Planning Tips in Indiana | Denise Bonk, Attorney at Law. Legacy planning is only a part of an estate plan, but it is always the first thing, sometimes only thing, people think about when they hear "estate planning."

Although this may sound like a sales pitch (it is), it's not necessarily a sales pitch to use me for your estate planning needs, although I do hope you consider reaching out. It's a sales pitch about why you really need to do this. Let's flip the script and take the stigma away from the phrase "estate planning" and call it what it truly is: your Life Essentials.

Life Essentials are things that we need right now, while we are still alive, not just later in life and after death. Life essentials include:

• Health Essentials — medical directives, care preferences, HIPAA releases

• Decision Essentials — appointment of healthcare representative

• Financial Essentials — powers of attorney, access instructions

• Family Essentials — guardianship for children and pets, care instructions, routines

• Legacy Essentials — how you want your affairs and assets to be handled after you die

Life Essentials gathers the pieces of your life: your care, your decisions, your responsibilities, your relationships, your pets, and your legacy, and gently puts them in order. It makes sure your wishes are known, and the people you trust have the proper authority to step in if life takes an unexpected turn. Preparing your Life Essentials is a gift you give to yourself and to the people who would show up for you without hesitation. While the focus is on your values and your voice, the legal documents behind the scenes ensure decisions will be made and your affairs will be handled the way you want. They are the tools that make your Life Essentials work in the real world.

Letting go of the somber associations that come with "estate planning" and focusing on the Life Essentials that you need while you are living can make this feel far more approachable. My hope is that this is the nudge you need to make this a priority with me or with another attorney who's the right fit.

Denise Bonk, Attorney at Law

Phone

317-202-5773 (talk or text available)

PO Box 40233 Indianapolis IN 46240

© 2026. All rights reserved.

The information contained on this website is intended to introduce prospective clients to Denise Bonk, Attorney at Law and is not to be considered a legal opinion or an offer to represent you. This website is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship. Emails sent to Denise Bonk, Attorney at Law through the use of this website, are not confidential and do not create an attorney-client relationship.