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How to Keep Wealth in Your Family for Generations to Come

Many families focus on building wealth, but fewer think about keeping it. Research shows that a majority of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and by the third generation, the figure can reach 90 percent. That happens not because parents lack concern for their kids, but because key planning pieces are missing.

Keeping wealth in your family isn’t just about signing legal documents or having a strong investment portfolio. True wealth preservation requires a shift in how you think about inheritance, practical systems that keep your assets accessible, and education that prepares the next generation to be responsible stewards.

In this article, you’ll learn three essential elements of building and preserving generational wealth: the mindset shifts that redefine what inheritance really means, the legal and financial strategies that keep assets from slipping through the cracks, and the education process that prepares your children to manage and grow what you’ve worked so hard to build. Most importantly, you’ll see why families who succeed in passing wealth down think differently about what they’re actually leaving behind.

The Mindset Shift: From “My Wealth” to “Our Legacy”

The families who successfully maintain prosperity over multiple generations understand something critical: wealth is more than money. Yes, you can leave your children a million dollars, but if they don’t understand responsibility, financial management, or your family’s values, that money will vanish.

Generational wealth lasts when you pass on tangible and intangible assets —accounts and property, but also knowledge, traditions, and life lessons — that make financial wealth sustainable. Your experiences, values, and even your failures are part of the inheritance that will shape how your children handle what you leave them.

This requires a mindset shift: inheritance isn’t a one-time transfer that happens at death. It’s an ongoing process of preparation during your lifetime. Instead of keeping financial matters completely private, invite your children into age-appropriate conversations about your values, your goals, and the responsibilities they may inherit one day.

Think of it like teaching your child to drive. You wouldn’t simply hand over the keys without practice and guidance. Likewise, don’t hand over wealth without the training and perspective they need to manage it wisely.

Of course, perspective alone isn’t enough. Once you embrace this broader definition of wealth, you’ll need systems that ensure your financial assets are actually protected and available when the time comes.

The Practical Side: Legal and Financial Strategies That Work

Too many people, even those with substantial assets, think that estate planning is about creating a set of documents. But documents aren’t enough. A document like a will, trust, power of attorney, or healthcare directive cannot pass on all that’s important to you, and it doesn’t address the direct impact on the people you love once you die or if you become incapacitated. The truth is, a document alone often creates more problems than it solves—like months of probate, thousands in legal fees, and painful family conflict during an already emotional time. 

That’s why my Life & Legacy Planning® process goes further. Protecting wealth and passing it on requires much more than a set of documents that eventually go stale. Protecting wealth requires so much more, such as:

Comprehensive Asset Organization

Your plan begins with a complete inventory of everything you own—bank accounts, investments, real estate, insurance policies, digital assets, business interests, and personal items of value. Each asset is titled correctly and integrated into your overall plan, so nothing is lost or overlooked—and it can be passed on to the people you love.

A Plan That Stays Up to Date

Life doesn’t stand still, and your plan shouldn’t either. Marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and property changes all require updates to ensure your plan continues to reflect your current life and wishes. Through regular reviews, I help ensure your plan stays current so it works exactly as intended when your family needs it most.

Clarity for the People You Love

A Life & Legacy Plan doesn’t just protect your assets—it protects the people you love from uncertainty. Your family receives clear guidance about what you own, how to find it, and what to do when the time comes. I help you document where accounts are held, how to access them, and who to contact for help. This clarity prevents the confusion and conflict that too often arise when families are left searching for answers.

Ongoing Guidance and a Trusted Relationship

Legal strategies form the foundation of wealth preservation, but they’re only one part of the equation. My role is to serve as your trusted advisor for life—someone who understands your family, your values, and your goals, and who will be there to guide your loved ones when you no longer can. And if I’m not able to be there, I’ll have a trusted colleague you can turn to who will be there in the same way I would. That ongoing relationship ensures your plan works not just legally, but practically and emotionally, for the people you care about most.

Creating a comprehensive plan and keeping it up to date over time is only one part of preserving generational wealth.  For true generational wealth to last, your children also need the tools, guidance, and values to use it wisely.

The Education Piece: Preparing the Next Generation

Even the most thoughtfully crafted estate plan can’t prepare your family to carry your intentions forward. Real success requires education, communication, and participation, so the people you love understand not only what you decided, but why.

That’s why I encourage families to treat planning as an ongoing conversation, not a one-time event. When your family understands your decisions in advance, such as why you chose particular beneficiaries, appointed specific roles, or structured inheritances a certain way, they’re far less likely to experience confusion or conflict later. These conversations also provide a chance to share your values, priorities, and hopes for how your wealth will be used to strengthen relationships, not divide them.

When you work with me, you’ll also record a Life & Legacy Interview, where you’ll share your stories, values, instructions for your loved ones, and your reasons for the choices you’ve made. Combined with periodic family meetings and regular plan updates, this approach ensures that your loved ones are never left wondering what you wanted or why.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to pass on assets, but to create a foundation of trust, understanding, and continuity. When your family is informed and included, they’re empowered to honor your legacy with confidence and clarity.

When your children are educated and prepared, the next question becomes: how do you ensure that wealth doesn’t just last for them, but also for grandchildren and beyond?

Thinking Beyond One Generation

The families who keep wealth for generations plan not just for their children, but also for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This often means using structures designed for long-term stewardship:

  • Trusts that distribute assets over time, protecting against mismanagement or outside threats.
  • Family governance structures that bring relatives together for ongoing discussions about values and shared resources.
  • Family foundations that involve multiple generations in philanthropy, reinforcing shared purpose and connection.

The goal isn’t simply to pass down money. It’s to create a structure that helps your family stay connected, supported, and guided by the values that built the wealth in the first place.

With the right mindset, strategies, and education in place, the final step is taking action. Start today, while you have the time and clarity to shape your legacy.

Your Legacy Starts Now

Preserving generational wealth requires more than smart investments. It requires intentional planning, ongoing education, and a fundamental shift in how you think about inheritance.

I help families design Life & Legacy Plans that protect not only your money but also everything that truly matters—your values, your wisdom, and your family’s future stability. My process begins with a Life & Legacy Planning Session, where we’ll clarify your goals, review your family dynamics, and create an inventory of your financial and intangible assets. From there, we’ll build a plan that ensures your legacy lasts for generations.

Ready to protect your wealth and everything it represents? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call today.

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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RFA Passes, Mahsa Eshghi is Camas’ Newest Council Member

Camas, WA —The Nov. 4 general election has been certified, and the results show that the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) ballot measure passed in both Camas and Washougal.

In addition to the RFA passing, three of the four incumbents on the Camas City Council will remain on the dais. Ward 2’s Tim Hein and Martin Elzingre both ran unopposed. Ward 1’s Marilyn Boerke defeated Geoerl Niles, while Camas’ Ward 3 will have a new representative, Mahsa Eshghi, who defeated incumbent Leslie Lewallen.

The RFA passed in both cities by a combined margin of 51.6% to 48.3%. Boerke was re-elected to the Ward 1, Position 2 seat by Camas voters, earning 67% of the vote. Hein and Elzingre were re-elected to their Ward 2 positions, earning 98% and 97%, respectively. Camas’ newest council member, Eshghi, was elected to the Ward 3, Position 2 seat, earning 56% of the vote. The election was certified by the Clark County Elections Department today, Nov. 25.

Elzingre will be sworn in at the Dec. 1 council meeting, with his term ending Dec. 31, 2027. Hein, Boerke and Eshghi will be sworn in at the Jan. 5 council meeting, with their terms ending Dec. 31, 2029.

About Mahsa Eshghi

Mahsa Eshghi and her family have lived in Camas since 2007. Eshghi has served the community in many capacities, including her current role on the Camas Planning Commission, where she has served since 2020. She also served on the North Shore Subarea Advisory Committee, the Grand Ridge HOA as treasurer for many years, and has been active in a wide range of community efforts, particularly those focused on youth education, mentorship and supporting future leaders.

Professionally, Eshghi is a licensed civil engineer with more than two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. She holds a master’s degree in transportation and environmental engineering from Portland State University and has built a career as a project manager leading complex infrastructure and environmental projects.

Outside of her professional career and community service, Eshghi is a proud mom raising two daughters who attend Camas public schools. She and her family love spending time outdoors and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. On weekends, you can usually find her cheering at soccer tournaments, sitting through gymnastics practices or attending high school band performances.

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Washougal School District Board Votes to Place Renewal Levies on Feb 2026 Ballot

The Washougal School District Board of Directors voted unanimously on November 25, 2025, to place a renewal Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy and Capital levy on the February 10, 2026 special election ballot.

If approved by voters, both levies would provide funding for three years and replace the current levies expiring at the end of 2026. These are not new taxes.

Continuing strong support for student programs and school maintenance

The EP&O and Capital levies work together to fund student programs and keep schools safe and in good condition. These local funds account for about 20% of the district’s overall budget.

If approved by voters, the EP&O Levy would continue programs and services that go beyond what the state provides. Local EP&O levy dollars support classroom teachers to maintain small class sizes, security staff, nurses, school counselors, instructional support staff, arts, music, drama, athletics, after-school activities, learning technology, Advanced Placement and Highly Capable programs, operations & maintenance staff, fuel, and utilities.

The Capital Levy would fund school safety improvements, heating and cooling systems, repairs to playground and parking areas, carpet and drywall repairs, instructional technology, and updates to athletic and performing arts spaces.

“The proposed levies continue our community’s strong tradition of supporting Washougal students, and fund the programs and staffing that make Washougal’s schools a great place for our kids,”  said Sadie McKenzie, School Board President.

Lower estimated total school levy amount projected in 2027 compared to 2026

The proposed EP&O Levy rate would be $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposed Capital Levy would be $0.62 per $1,000. If approved by voters, estimated total school levy rates would be lower than what homeowners are projected to pay in 2026.

If voters approve the levies, the owner of a $636,000 home is projected to pay about $9 less per month in local levy costs in 2027 than in 2026. According to projections, levy costs would dip in 2027-28, then return in 2029 to about the same monthly amount as 2026 to account for inflation.

“These renewal levies would result in a lower estimated tax rate than what homeowners are projected to pay in 2026,” said Aaron Hansen, Superintendent at Washougal School District. “We’ve been intentional in asking for an amount that gives some relief to taxpayers in the next two years, while still supporting the experiences and opportunities the community asked us to provide for students through our strategic planning process.” 

Student Programs & Improvements Supported by Local Levy Dollars

The proposed levies will continue funding that supports student programs, technology, and facilities maintenance in Washougal School District.

EP&O Levy dollars would support:

  • Classroom teachers to maintain small class sizes
  • Health & safety staff, including security staff, nurses and school counselors
  • Instructional support, including paraeducators, library staff, curriculum, food service and more.
  • Arts, music, and drama
  • Athletics and after-school activities
  • Learning technology
  • Advanced Placement and Highly Capable programs
  • Operations & maintenance, including custodial and grounds staff, maintenance staff, fuel, and utilities

Capital Levy dollars would support:

  • School safety improvements
  • School heating and cooling systems
  • Playground and parking repairs
  • Carpet and drywall repairs
  • Instructional technology and student devices
  • Updates to athletic facilities and performing arts spaces

“Our goal is to maintain high quality opportunities for Washougal students while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said McKenzie.

For more information about the upcoming levies, visit the Washougal School District website:
www.washougal.k12.wa.us/district-budget-information/levy

Washougal
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Building Industry Association Installs Alexa Lee as 2026 President

Vancouver, WA – The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) recently installed Alexa Lee of Tapani, Inc. as the association’s 2026 Board President. Lee is celebrated as second female president in the history of the association, accepting a second year term. 

In addition to Lee’s role, the BIA’s 2026 officers were formally installed by Kevin Trevena, Lifetime Director of the BIA of Clark County. Max Booth was installed as Vice President, Nicole Hinton-Duke as Vice President Secretary, Dave Campos as Vice President Treasurer, Mark Kroll as Vice President Associate, and Tracy Doriot as Immediate Past President.

Prior to the installation, the evening recognized excellence across the industry with the annual President’s Awards. The Membership Outreach award was presented to Nikki Grey, while Dave Cole received the Workforce Development Champion award. The Constructed for Success award went to Avilaco. Samantha Zimmer was named Industry Advocate, and Industry Connector honor was awarded Jason Presser. Political Action Champion was awarded to Betty Sue Morris. The Legacy Member Award went to our longest standing member of over 46 years – Performance Building Products, Inc., while Most Spikes honors went to Drew Talbert. 

The Lifetime Directors award was presented to both Kevin Trevena and Paul McGraw. Supplier of the Year Award was given to Brian Boggs of Pacific Crest Custom Cabinetry. Remodeler of the Year went to West Coast General Construction LLC, and the Builder of the Year Award was given to Urban Northwest Homes. Industry Associate of the Year was awarded to Ashley Shimer, and the Beacon Award was presented to Lisa Thompson. The Industry Impact Award was presented to several members, including Tracy Doriot and Bobbi Bjork, Tony Curtis, Erin Wriston, Justin Ross, Nikki Hinton-Duke, Jodi Bailey, Matthew and Cheri Clarkson. The Alpha Performer award was given to Noelle Lovern, the E.O. at the BIA. These awards celebrate companies and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship, dedication, and vision in their work, reinforcing the industry’s strength and future.

“It is an honor to serve a second term as the BIA President.” said Alexa Lee, current President of the BIA of Clark County. “I am proud to present these awards as they celebrate the members who consistently elevate our association and strengthen our industry.”

The evening united industry leaders and innovators to honor the outstanding achievements and vision shaping 2026.

Taylor Morrison was the title sponsor of the event. To learn more about the Building Industry Association of Clark County, please visit biaofclarkcounty.org.

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Washougal Mourns Loss of Former Mayor, Council Member Molly Coston

The City of Washougal is deeply saddened to share the passing of former mayor and current council member Molly Coston. A long-serving public official and dedicated community volunteer, Coston’s leadership and commitment played a central role in Washougal’s growth and civic identity for nearly two decades.

“Molly’s passing is a huge and sad loss for our City of Washougal,” said Mayor David Stuebe. “She was dedicated to this community and consistently approached her work with commitment, fairness and passion. Many people called her ‘Mayor Molly’ because she was approachable and took the time to truly listen and be truly engaged. Her leadership influenced the direction of our city, and we are so grateful for her service.”

Coston first joined the Washougal City Council in 2005, serving for six years. After several years away from city government, Coston was elected Mayor of Washougal in November 2017 and held the position from 2018-2021. In 2021, she was elected to fill the unexpired term for Council Position 5, with her current term set to conclude in December 2027.

During her tenure, she led and supported numerous key projects:

  • Convened a citizen panel to study shifting to a Council-Manager government, later approved by voters.
  • Played a key role in creating recently voter-approved Regional Fire Authority.
  • Chaired the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, guiding hotel-tax investments in tourism and events.
  • Championed new public art for the Towncenter Plaza campanile.
  • Regularly attended community events, actively engaging with residents.
  • Helped shape major projects including the Steigerwald Restoration, Waterfront Trail, Towncenter Revitalization, the 32nd Street Rail Crossing elimination and many others.

She was currently serving as the Chair of the C-Tran board of directors. She also represented east Clark County on the Regional Transportation Council Board of Directors, serving as its chair in 2010.

Beyond her roles in City Hall, Coston was an involved community member. 

Clark County

She served as:

  • President of the Board of Directors for the Washougal Arts & Cultural Alliance (WACA)
  • Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards board member
  • 25 year member of the Camas Washougal Rotary, serving as Peace Builder Chairwoman and on the Public Image Committee, Youth Services Committee, AKIN, and Diaper Drive
  • House Committee Co-Chair at Orchard Hills Golf & Country Club
  • Washougal School District PAC member

Coston has lived in Washougal since 2000. She was a graduate of the University of Arizona and George Washington University. Coston was also a Master Scuba Diver. She was 77.

The City of Washougal extends its deepest condolences to Molly’s family, friends, colleagues, and all community members who were touched by her service.

Her leadership, fairness, and ability to bring people together left a lasting imprint on the landscape of Washougal.

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Help Shape Clark County’s Future: Your Voice Matters in the 2045 Growth Plan

Clark County is entering an exciting new chapter. With nearly 200,000 new residents expected by 2045, our community is growing, evolving, and becoming an even more dynamic place to live, work, and raise a family. This kind of growth brings with it an extraordinary opportunity—the opportunity for residents to help guide what Clark County will look like for the next generation. Through Clark County Council’s Comprehensive Growth Plan process happening right now, community members have a real and meaningful chance to make their voices heard, influence local priorities, and shape a vision for a brighter future.

The Comprehensive Growth Plan isn’t just a technical document. It is the roadmap that will determine the character of our neighborhoods, the types of homes available, where new jobs will be located, how transportation systems will function, and how we protect open spaces and natural resources. When residents participate in the public input process, they help ensure that these decisions reflect local values—things like affordability, community character, access to nature, and economic opportunity. This is a moment where civic engagement truly matters.

One of the most exciting aspects of this planning process is the ability to advocate for choice. As Clark County grows, thoughtful zoning can create communities with a diverse range of housing options, from starter homes to townhouses to apartments to age-friendly alternatives. It can support vibrant employment areas that bring jobs closer to where people live. And it can ensure that future growth aligns with transportation corridors, creating more walkable neighborhoods, shorter commutes, and better connections between home, work, and recreation. The decisions made today will help shape a county where families of all sizes, incomes, and stages of life can find a place that feels like home.

Planning now also allows Clark County to position itself for long-term economic strength. By designating sufficient employment lands in strategic locations—especially near transportation routes—the community can attract businesses and industries that provide stable, well-paying jobs. This is how we build a balanced tax base, support public services, and keep Clark County competitive regionally and nationally. Residents can have a direct say right now in how and where this economic opportunity grows.

Of course, growth comes with challenges if it isn’t aligned with smart planning. Without careful zoning and long-term strategy, communities can experience overcrowded schools, increased traffic congestion, and missed opportunities for new industries due to a lack of available employment sites. These impacts are avoidable, but only when the right decisions are made early—and that requires robust public participation from the people who live and work in Clark County.

Fortunately, this planning cycle is built around community involvement. Whether someone lives in a city center, a rural area, or anywhere in between, every voice matters. The decisions adopted now will guide Clark County through 2045, and this is the window in which residents can shape what that future looks like. Public comment ensures that the plan supports the outcomes people care about: quality schools, transportation options, housing affordability, economic opportunity, and the preservation of the natural beauty that makes Clark County unique.

This is a moment to be optimistic. Clark County’s future is full of possibility, and the community has a direct hand in shaping it. By participating in the public comment process, sharing ideas, and expressing priorities, residents help build a roadmap that reflects shared values and aspirations.

To make this even easier, the Building Industry Association of Clark County is inviting residents to take a community survey designed to capture local values, concerns, and hopes for the future. Your input will help ensure that community needs are understood and represented throughout the planning process.

Clark County is growing—and this is your chance to help guide it. Your voice can help create a thriving, balanced, and welcoming community for decades to come.

Take the BIA Survey:  https://tinyurl.com/ClarkCountyGrowthSurvey

Learn More about the Growth Plan: www.ShapeClarkCounty.com 

Submit a Public Comment on the Growth Plan: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-outreach

Learn More about BIA: www.biaofclarkcounty.org 

Click this image to read the Public Participation Plan:

Clark County
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Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Votes Tonight to End Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) released the following statement about her vote to reopen the government: 

“Tonight, I voted to end this partisan car crash of a shutdown. Nobody likes paying even more money to insurance companies – and the fight to stop runaway health insurance premiums won’t be won by holding hungry Americans hostage. Americans can’t afford for their Representatives to get so caught up in landing a partisan win that they abandon their obligation to come together to solve the urgent problems that our nation faces.”

“The last several weeks have been a case study in why most Americans can’t stand Congress. None of my friends who rely on SNAP would want to trade their dinner for an ambiguous D.C. beltway ‘messaging victory’ and I’m glad this ugly scene is in the rearview mirror.”

“Now, it’s time for Congress to get back to work and build an economy where people aren’t yanked around by partisan interests, where we understand national health doesn’t come from insurance coverage – and reestablish a truly deliberative democracy. I’ll work with whoever is necessary to reach those goals – and I don’t give a damn which side of the aisle they sit on.” 

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Gluesenkamp Perez Meets with Residents of Vista Del Rio Mobile Home Community

VANCOUVER, WA – On Wednesday, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03),visited the Vista Del Rio Mobile Home Community in Vancouver and met with residents to discuss the role manufactured homes can play in addressing the housing shortfall and building generational wealth. 

“Mobile and manufactured homes are one of the most cost-effective, achievable forms of affordable housing in our country and it’s one that is critical for seniors, people on fixed income and many veterans. More than 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes, but they have been largely neglected as a vehicle for building generational wealth and self-determination in this country,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez.“It was so encouraging to engage with such a smart, strategic, community minded group of people at Vista Del Rio, and it’s an honor to fight alongside them for common sense reform to protect Americans’ right to self-determination.”

Last year, the residents of Vista Del Rio began organizing an effort to buy the land that they live on. 

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the Lowering Energy Costs for Manufactured Homeowners Act in October of last year, which would implement a tax credit for installing or updating energy-saving skirting around mobile homes. 

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The Key to Aging With Confidence

If you are like most people, you probably assume that when the time comes, someone—your spouse, your children, or maybe a close friend—will be there to take care of you. However, the truth is that more Americans than ever are living alone as they age, often without a clear plan for support. According to AARP, more than 16 million adults over 65 now live alone, and 77% report having no plan for living assistance as they age. At the same time, even when family members are nearby, the realities of aging can strain relationships in ways few expect.

In this article, you’ll learn why it’s risky to assume someone will “just step in,” how the transitions of aging affect both you and your loved ones, and how creating a comprehensive estate plan ensures your care, dignity, and autonomy no matter what the future holds.

The New Reality of Aging Alone

Imagine being in your 80s and realizing you haven’t seen another person for two weeks. For many older adults, that isn’t a nightmare—it’s daily life. In rural areas like the Appalachian Mountains, nonprofits such as Mountain Empire Older Citizens deliver meals and provide essential care, as so many elders live in isolation. Workers often describe being the only human contact their clients have.

This trend isn’t limited to rural America. Across the country, higher divorce rates, longer lifespans, and families spread across states mean more people will face aging without a built-in support system. Even those with financial resources struggle to secure reliable help. Care workers are in short supply, and waiting lists for services grow longer every year.

When you assume someone will take care of you but haven’t made specific arrangements, you risk finding yourself without support when you need it most. And even if you do have children or family nearby, relying on them when you don’t have a plan (or an old plan that hasn’t been reviewed in years) creates different challenges—challenges that can affect relationships as much as they affect care.

Why Assumptions About Care Create More Problems Than Solutions

Most people haven’t taken the time to sit down with loved ones to specifically discuss how they want to be cared for if they can’t care for themselves. Instead, they operate on assumptions that often lead to family conflict and outcomes nobody wanted.

Here’s a common scenario: An aging parent always said they wanted to “age in place” and never go to a nursing home. But when dementia develops, staying home becomes dangerous. Adult children might have completely different opinions about the best solution—one wants round-the-clock home care, another insists on memory care, and a third wants the parent to move in with them.

Without clear, written instructions about your preferences for different scenarios, your loved ones may spend months disagreeing while your condition worsens. Without clear instructions, relationships suffer, and the parent often ends up in a situation they would not have chosen for themselves or their loved ones.

When you don’t have a plan, you’re not just leaving your care to chance—you’re putting your loved ones in an impossible position. They have to guess what you would want during one of the most stressful times of their lives.

Even if you have an old estate plan tucked away somewhere, it might not work when your family needs it most. Laws change, relationships change, and decisions that made sense years ago might not reflect your current wishes.

How Our Process Protects You and Everyone You Love

What if instead of making assumptions, you created a clear roadmap that protects your wishes and gives your loved ones confidence in their decisions?

My Life & Legacy PlanningⓇ process provides a comprehensive system that ensures your wishes are known, your assets are properly titled, and your loved ones or chosen caregivers have clear instructions about how to care for you if you can’t speak for yourself.

Here’s how our process helps you prepare for aging, whether you’re living alone or with family. It:

Ensures your care matches your wishes. Your plan can spell out not only who makes decisions if you become incapacitated, but also what kind of care you want—from medical treatments to whether you prefer to age at home, in assisted living, or elsewhere.

Reduces family conflict. By clearly documenting your choices and sharing them with your loved ones, you remove the potential for disagreements among adult children. 

Protects your autonomy. Your plan empowers you to make decisions now, while you’re able, so your children don’t have to step in and guess later. You remain in control of your life, even as your circumstances change.

Keep your assets safe. Without a plan, property and accounts can easily be overlooked, mismanaged, or even lost to the state. Your plan ensures everything you’ve worked for is properly titled, accounted for, preserved, and directed to the people or causes you care about most. 

Stays updated over time. Your life isn’t static, and your plan shouldn’t be either. If you created an estate plan more than three years ago, chances are it could fail when you and your loved ones need it most. The reason? The law changes, tax rules change, your health changes, and your relationships change over time. Decisions that made sense ten years ago may be decisions you’d never make today. 

Life & Legacy Planning isn’t just about protecting money—it’s about protecting relationships, dignity, and peace of mind. When your family knows exactly what you want and how to provide it, they can focus on loving and supporting you instead of worrying about making the “right” decisions.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Today

The realities of aging are unavoidable: health problems arise, relationships evolve, and an increasing number of us will face the prospect of living alone. But you don’t have to face uncertainty. With a Life & Legacy Plan, you can prepare now for the care you may one day need, ensure your wishes are respected, and give your family the priceless gift of clarity.

📞 Schedule your 15-minute discovery call to get started. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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Building Industry Group PAC Announces Endorsements for Local Races

Vancouver, WA — The Building Industry Group Political Action Committee (BIG PAC), the political arm of the Building Industry Association of Clark County, has announced its endorsements for the 2025 election season.

BIG PAC works to support candidates who understand the importance of housing affordability, economic development and policies that strengthen the local building industry. The committee engages in careful review, including candidate questionnaires and interviews, to ensure endorsed candidates reflect a commitment to balanced growth and sustainable communities.

“Our industry depends on elected officials who recognize how housing policy impacts not only builders but families across Clark County,” said Tracy Doriot, Chair of BIG PAC. “BIG PAC is proud to support candidates who value housing choice, job creation and responsible governance.”

The following endorsements have been made:

Battle Ground

  • Troy McCoy, Mayor

Camas

  • Leslie Lewallen, City Council, Ward 3, Position 2

Ridgefield

  • Matt Cole, City Council
  • Rian Davis, City Council

Vancouver

  • Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Mayor
  • Pooneh Gray, City Council, Position 1

Washougal

  • David Stuebe, Mayor

Charter Review Commission

  • Brandon Erickson; District 2, Position 1
  • Cemal Richards; District 1, Position 1
  • Ann Donnelly; District 1, Position 2
  • Adrienne Mason; District 1, Position 2
  • Bob Runnells; District 2, Position 2
  • Kim Hamlik; District 2, Position 3
  • Jill Ross; District 3, Position 1
  • John Jay; District 3, Position 3
  • Liz Cline; District 4, Position 1
  • Brad Benton; District 5, Position 1
  • Duncan Hoss; District 5, Position 2

“Endorsing candidates is one of the most important ways we advocate for housing affordability and economic growth,” Doriot said. “We encourage our members and the community to engage with these candidates and learn more about their vision for our local communities.”

For more information regarding BIG PAC endorsements, contact Ian Harkins, Government Affairs Coordinator at the Building Industry Association of Clark County. Call at 360-729-6099 or email at iharkins@biaofclarkcounty.org.

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