Definition of Christian Estate Planning

Wisely managing and controlling your property for you and your loved ones while you are alive and competent Providing for your care and the care of your loved ones in the event of a physical or mental disability On your death, giving what you have to whom you want, the way you want, when you want, all at the least possible overall cost in taxes, court costs, attorney’s fees and administrative expenses, keeping Biblical principles in mind throughout

Matthew 5:42
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

1 Timothy 5:8
“But if any provide not for his own, and specifically for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

Caring for loved ones as if you were still there

• With your resources
• With your love
• With your wisdom

Hebrews 9:16,17
“In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.”

Prov. 11:14
“Where no counsel is, the people fall:  but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

Prov. 15:22
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed:  but in the multitude of counselors they are established.”

The Christian’s Estate Plan

1. Recognizes God as owner of ALL property
2. Distributes that property on death to those who will continue to use it to promote the Christian lifestyle
3. Insuring that your minor children are raised and encouraged in their Christian faith.
4. Your final act of stewardship

Setting the Priorities of your estate plan

1. What is God’s plan of stewardship for my estate?
2. People are more important than dollars
3. Minimize the shrinkage and delay of transferring property

People Are More Important Than Dollars

1. Guardians for Minor Children
2. Personal Representative
3. Mental disability determination
4. Disability “Helpers”
5. Trustees

Christians should seek Christian counsel in making end of life and during life decisions. The Biblical platform and Christian worldview is a reflection on which to make all of life’s decisions. For a Christian to have an estate plan that does not reflect Biblical standards, is to have an estate plan that is not reflective of one’s inner spiritual beliefs.

At Tampa Estate Planners, we use a Biblical worldview to assist our clients to have a plan that is reflective of their religious and spiritual beliefs.