As clients might be struggling to determine what the best Valentine’s Day gift is for their special someone to convey their love and appreciation, creating an estate plan is one option, particularly for those who seem to already have everything they could possibly want.
For families with a spouse and children, it may seem as though the surviving spouse automatically receives all of the money from death, retirement benefits, etc. But in many cases that doesn’t occur, and money is split down the middle with the children, who could be minors. That situation could leave a surviving spouse scrambling to make up the difference financially on top of caring for their family and grieving their spouse.
“Without estate plans, your loved ones are left grieving while also having to deal with legal complications, administrative tasks, and unexpected expenses,” explained Tim Woodward, managing partner at Blend Wealth. “Sorting through disorganized financial affairs, working with attorneys, and covering legal fees can make an already painful time even harder. We always tell our clients that creating estate planning documents is a gift to their loved ones. It allows their family to focus on grieving without the added stress of managing their estate.”
The concept of “I love you wills” has been coined to help married people with children realize this situation and for them to designate their spouse to receive all of the money, if that’s what they elect to do.
Estate Planning: A Profound Act of Love
“Estate planning is one of the clearest ways we’ve seen love in action,” said Chitra Patel, founder of WealthWorth, a wealth management firm in Alpharetta, Ga. “We’ve guided spouses who prioritize each other’s security through ‘I love you’ wills and parents who create trusts to safeguard their children’s futures. We’ve seen families thoughtfully structure plans to support aging parents, care for special needs children, and ensure their values live on.”
For clients with kids, it’s a powerful statement to be able to share with their children that they’ve done everything they can to ensure they have a strong future through estate planning.
Vinee Mehta, founder of Truly Unbiased, an RIA in Aliso Viejo, Calif., notes that every estate plan that is created and finalized is “an act of love.”
“For a majority of estate planning, one is planning for someone or a group of people they care about to make sure they receive assets and instructions in order to help improve someone else’s life after they pass,” Mehta said. “Even making sure that someone has power of attorney documents set up and medical directives set up is an act of love as they are making sure their loved ones do not have to make these difficult decisions nor have to watch them suffer unnecessarily and worry whether or not someone’s wishes are being granted.”
Demonstrating Love Through Planning
Planning, whether it’s related to creating a special day or evening for someone or their future, is one of the greatest expressions of a person’s love. The thoughtfulness we seek behind every heartfelt gift is deeply reflected in estate planning—a commitment not just for today, but for a lifetime.
“Planning for estate taxes is another act of love where many people will use funds while they are living to create advanced estate plans and purchase life insurance while they are alive, reducing the amount of funds they have available to spend, all to make sure whomever they are leaving their assets to gets the most that they can,” Mehta said.
Taxable estates can lose approximately one-sixth of their value just in taxes, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Those Loving Last Words
“One way to make estate plans even more meaningful is by including a written note to your loved ones, often called an ethical will,” Woodward noted. “This personal message can share your wisdom, values, and encouragement. I’ll never forget a client who received an ethical will from her father. He left her a note filled with thoughtful advice that she still reads at least once a year. She shared that during tough decisions in her personal and professional life, she returns to his words for strength and clarity. That simple act of writing a note left a lasting impact on her life and continues to embody his love and wisdom.”
For those especially who lost a loved one suddenly or didn’t get the opportunity to have those meaningful discussions, having these final words can help anchor them as they navigate their lives.
“Estate planning is more than just paperwork—it’s about lifting burdens, preserving peace, and leaving a legacy of love and thoughtfulness,” Woodward said. “It’s truly a meaningful gift you can give to your family.”
Love That Lasts Beyond a Lifetime
At its core, estate planning is about deep, enduring love—the kind that extends beyond a single day of chocolates and roses. It’s a way of saying, “I will always take care of you,” even when you’re no longer physically present. The thoughtfulness behind an estate plan ensures that your client’s loved ones are protected, supported, and free from unnecessary stress when they need it most.
So, this Valentine’s Day, alongside the sweet gestures and heartfelt words, have your clients consider giving a gift that truly lasts—a plan that secures their family’s future and leaves a legacy of love. While flowers wilt and chocolates disappear, an estate plan is a timeless expression of devotion that will continue to provide comfort and security for the people your clients cherish most.