Estate Planning Law Firm St. Peters, MO

Losing a loved one is often, one of the most difficult things that people must endure. Although the end of life is something that can be an incredibly painful process, it is a natural component to everyone’s life. When losing a loved one, grief stricken family must endure the stages of grief in order to move on with their lives. When the person who has passed has not take the proper care in putting together their estate plan, the stress and grief can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. In some cases, those struggling with grief after losing a loved one may find that further treatment from a therapist may help in managing their pain.

 

The Stages of Grief

As outlined in the Kubler-Ross Model, there are five essential stages to the grieving process that people frequently go through following the loss of a loved one. It’s important to note that it can take time to work through the stages of grief as each person is unique in how they may manage it:

  1. Denial
  2. Anger
  3. Bargaining
  4. Depression
  5. Acceptance

Grief may result in the need for further mental health treatment, especially when struggling to move forward with their lives. As a result, the support of a mental health counselor or therapist may be a supportive option.


Seeking the Support of a Therapist

Grief can be a complicated process that incorporates a number of layers. When coupled with problems with the estate plan of a loved one, emotions and stress may be further heightened. Seeking the support of a therapist, especially one who has experience in treating patients who have suffered a significant loss, can help in managing the emotions that come with loss. You may want to consider a therapist if:

  • You are unmotivated and unwilling to participate in life
  • You are experiencing physical issues that are connected to your loss
  • You do not have natural supports you can access
  • You are depressed
  • You are suffering from anxiety or panic attacks
  • Your grief isn’t getting any better
  • You are engaging in substance use to ease your pain

Grief, when not managed appropriately, can quickly lead to larger problems with a person’s mental health. It’s not uncommon to get stuck in the grieving process. Therapy may be able to help in managing the pain a person may be experiencing. A therapist may be able to provide a safe space to discuss loss and establish coping skills that may aid in the healing process.  

 

Preventing Problems Later On

Estate planning can be a process that is easily avoidable. However, by taking the time to carefully lay out your final wishes with an attorney, you may be able to reduce problems for your loved ones later on. There are several components you may choose to include in your estate plan, some may determine that creating either a revocable living trust or irrevocable trust may best based on their financial situation. Although there are a number of trust accounts that may be available when estate planning, the two primary forms of trusts are:

  1. Irrevocable Trusts
  2. Revocable Trusts

There can be a variety of advantages that come with each form of trust. Consulting with an attorney who is well versed in estate planning may prove beneficial when it comes to choosing the right one for you and your family.

 

Grieving is a natural part of losing a loved one. Unfortunately, when complications arise with an estate plan and, more specifically trusts, beneficiaries may unnecessarily suffer. Protect your loved ones from the added stress and heightened emotions that may come with a trust that may not have been executed properly. Seeking the counsel of an estate planning law firm St. Peters, MO trusts, like Sweeney Legal, can play an intricate role in ensuring that every consideration is made in creating trusts for your heirs.