A Legacy of Love That Lasts

When Anna Harp lost her father in January 2021, she didn’t get to say goodbye.

He had been battling lung disease when he contracted COVID-19. Pandemic protocols meant the family couldn’t be by his side. Anna was just 27 years old. Her father, Rudolph Clausing, was 66. And just like that, he was gone. But in the painful days that followed, Anna’s mother found something that would shift their grief into something more meaningful: a notebook with a simple handwritten message from Rudolph—“It has been such a good life.”

That small note carried more weight than any inheritance ever could. It was a reminder of who he was and what mattered most. For Anna, those seven words became a permanent source of comfort, guidance, and emotional connection. This powerful story shows us that what your loved ones truly need after you’re gone isn’t just legal documentation or money—it’s you. Your love. Your voice. Your values. That’s where true legacy lies.

We often think estate planning is about preparing documents. But when someone passes, it becomes painfully clear that what families long for is guidance, clarity, and emotional closure. They want to hear your voice in their heads when they’re making hard decisions. They want to know how you felt about them. They want to remember the stories, values, and traditions that made you who you are—and made them who they are.

When you don’t communicate those things clearly before you die, your loved ones can be left emotionally unmoored. They might struggle with guilt, doubt, or conflict—wondering what you would have wanted or second-guessing themselves during an already painful time. While financial struggles after death can be difficult, it’s the emotional ambiguity that leaves the deepest scars.

That’s why I approach estate planning differently. Through a Legacy Planning Session, we shift the focus from documents to the people you love. Yes, we handle the legal aspects—wills, trusts, powers of attorney—but the core of the process is about preparing your family for a life without you. That preparation includes organizing your assets and instructions, but more importantly, it means making your wishes known and your presence felt long after you're gone.

Your Legacy Planning Session gives your loved ones clear guidance. They’ll know where your important documents are, how to access your accounts, and what decisions need to be made. But they’ll also know the why behind those decisions. They’ll understand your values, how you want your children raised if something happens to you while they’re still minors, what family traditions are most meaningful to you, and how you hope they’ll carry your legacy forward.

During the session, we also address financial realities. How will your spouse manage the mortgage? What about your children’s education? Will your family be able to maintain their lifestyle and plan for their future? These are questions that go far beyond what a standard will or life insurance policy can answer. They require real thought—and real communication.

The most impactful part of the Legacy Planning Session is something my clients tell me they value most: the Legacy Recording. This is your opportunity to speak directly to your loved ones, even after you're gone. In this video, you can share family stories, explain heirlooms, offer advice, or simply express your love. Unlike Anna’s story, where a meaningful message was found by chance, the Legacy Recording is intentionally created to be seen when your family needs it most. It becomes a permanent reminder of your love and your voice. Even grandchildren who haven’t yet been born can come to know you, hear your words, and be guided by your experiences.

Planning doesn’t end with a single meeting. Life changes, assets shift, families grow. That’s why I’ve built systems to keep your plan updated regularly. When you work with me, you're not just filling out paperwork—you’re building a lasting relationship. If something happens, your family won’t have to guess or struggle alone.

Most law firms disappear after your documents are signed. But your family needs more than that. They need someone who can walk beside them when they’re grieving and unsure of what comes next. Through ongoing support and relationship-based planning, we make sure that when the time comes, your family is not alone—and your legacy lives on, exactly as you intended.

If you want your plan to go beyond paperwork—to provide your family with emotional clarity, practical guidance, and lasting love—I invite you to schedule your complimentary 15-minute discovery call. Together, we’ll begin your Legacy Planning Session and build a plan that says everything they’ll need to hear:

“It has been such a good life.”

Book a free 15-minute discovery call and let’s begin building a plan that truly works for the people you love—no matter how many that may be.