To read this article in full, hit here By Denise May Levenick via FamilyTreeMagazine
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 in taking time to share yours. And you’ll rest assured that your digital life will be respectfully handled after you’re gone.
This guide will show you how to create a genealogy will or codicil: how to organize your materials, and what items and accounts to include in it.
What is a Codicil?
A will is straightforward-enough to understand. But what’s a codicil? A codicil to a last will and testament is an amendment or addition to the document, says California trusts and estates attorney Scott T. Holman. Like a will, a codicil should be witnessed by two disinterested parties. Holman recommends having the document prepared by an attorney to ensure its validity so your last wishes are fulfilled as you intended.
