Why Every Catholic Should Consider an Estate Plan

How faithful preparation can bring peace to life’s final chapter

(Photo: Unsplash)

By Carla D. Little

As Catholics, we know this life is not our final home. We are pilgrims journeying toward eternal life. But as we walk this path, we are called to be good stewards not only of our resources but also of the responsibilities entrusted to us, especially in life’s final chapters.

While many aspects of the end of life are outside our control, one meaningful step we can take is to prepare an estate plan. Doing so is not just a practical decision — it’s an act of love. It allows us to care for our loved ones, express our wishes in accordance with our faith and leave behind a legacy rooted in charity, prudence and peace.

Here are five key ways an estate plan can make a difference for you, your family and your faith:

1. You can express your medical wishes, guided by Catholic teaching.

A comprehensive estate plan includes advance directives, which allow you to outline your medical preferences if you become unable to speak for yourself. More importantly, you can ensure those preferences align with the teachings of the Catholic Church, upholding the dignity of life, refusing extraordinary or disproportionate means of treatment and avoiding euthanasia or assisted suicide.

You can also name a trusted person—ideally someone who understands your values — to make medical decisions on your behalf. Without such a plan, these deeply personal decisions could be left to the courts or to someone who may not share your beliefs.

2. You can prepare for potential incapacity.

Should you become mentally or physically incapacitated, your estate plan can designate someone to manage your finances and personal care. You can also provide clear instructions on how to use your resources to your benefit.

Without these preparations, your loved ones may face a costly and emotionally draining court process just to care for you or see someone you wouldn’t have chosen making those decisions.

3. You decide how your assets are distributed and to whom.

An estate plan enables you to determine precisely how your assets are distributed, in accordance with your relationships, values and intentions. Without one, state law will dictate who receives what, regardless of your wishes.

Here’s what that could mean:

• You can bless anyone you choose. With a plan, you can provide for family members, friends, charities or stepchildren — even if they aren’t legally adopted. Without one, they could be left out entirely.

• You can prevent unwanted distributions. If there are individuals you prefer not to include, you can make that clear. Without a plan, they may still be legally entitled to a share.

• You can protect vulnerable loved ones. A thoughtful plan allows you to structure how an inheritance is received. If a beneficiary struggles with finances, addiction or is simply too young, you can delay or condition distributions to protect them. Without a plan, they may receive everything at once, with harmful consequences.

• You can preserve public benefits. For those who rely on assistance, a well-crafted trust can provide support without disqualifying them.

• You can be specific about property. Whether it’s a treasured Rosary, family Bible or home, you can designate who receives what and avoid confusion or conflict.

• You can make a lasting impact through charity. An estate plan allows you to support parishes, ministries, schools and Catholic charities that reflect your deepest values. Without a plan, no charitable giving will occur.

4. You choose who manages your estate.

After death, someone must carry out your wishes — managing your estate, settling debts and distributing assets. With an estate plan, you appoint that person. It could be a trusted child, a financially savvy sibling or a close friend.

Without a plan, state law may assign someone simply because they have an interest or based on a hierarchy of relationships. This could result in family disputes or place an overwhelming burden on someone unprepared for the responsibility.

5. You can help prevent family conflict.

Perhaps most importantly, having an estate plan brings clarity and peace. It spares your loved ones from the guesswork and difficult decisions that often accompany a time of grief. It helps prevent division by clearly expressing your intentions — rooted in faith, love and wisdom.

A Sacred Opportunity

As Catholics, we believe life is sacred from conception to natural death. Preparing an estate plan is a practical, prayerful way to uphold that belief — ensuring that even in incapacity or death, our faith continues to speak.

Creating a plan is not only about assets. It’s about stewardship. It’s about care. It’s about love.

If you haven't yet created an estate plan, consider taking that step — not just for yourself, but for those you love. Let it be part of your final testimony: a legacy of faith, prudence and peace.

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Carla D. Little is a Catholic estate planning attorney and founder of Little Law Office, LLC, a faith-centered law firm serving families in Colorado. Little Law Office — Leave a Legacy for Those You Love.

© 2025 Carla D. Little. All rights reserved. This article is the intellectual property of the author and may not be reproduced, distributed or used without express written permission from Little Law Office, LLC.