Jill M. Santiago Law Offices

Estate Planning Attorney in Rhode Island & Massachusetts

(401) 307-5556
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You Can’t Update Your Estate Plan If You’re A Ghost

October 27, 2025 by Jill Santiago

The spooky season is upon us! As the days grow colder and darker, Halloween decorations emerge, and we settle onto the couch for scary movies and candy corn (at least, I do). But there’s something even spookier than any ghost or goblin: the thought of leaving your family to navigate the unknown without a solid estate plan. The good news is, unlike those jump scares in horror movies, this story has a happy ending.

 

 

 

The Monster Under the Bed

Estate planning is like that monster you imagined under your bed as a child. The longer you avoid looking, the bigger and scarier it becomes in your mind. You know it’s there. You think about it at the most inconvenient times, like late at night, when you hear about someone else’s family crisis, during those quiet moments when worry creeps in.

But here’s what I’ve discovered after years of helping families–once you finally turn on the light and look under that bed, there’s no monster at all. Just relief.

 

The Relief Factor: Exorcising Your Worries

I call it the “Relief Factor,” and I see it happen nearly every single time.

Most people I work with have been haunted by this task for months, sometimes years. It’s been lurking in the back of their minds, casting a shadow over their peace of mind. They procrastinate for all kinds of reasons. Life gets busy, it feels uncomfortable, they’re not sure where to start.

And then, once it’s finally done? It’s like an exorcism. That haunting weight lifts. The anxiety vanishes.

I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone who regretted completing their estate plan. Not once. What I have heard, countless times, is: “I should have done this years ago” and “I can’t believe how much better I feel now that it’s finished.”

 

Banish the Ghosts of “What If”

The ghosts of “what if” can be truly frightening:

  • What if something happens and there’s no plan?
  • What if my family can’t access what they need?
  • What if they’re left fighting over my wishes because I never made them clear?

These are the real hauntings that keep people up at night. But you have the power to banish them completely.

The estate planning process doesn’t have to be a haunted house of horrors. It can be as simple as a friendly chat with an experienced estate planning attorney, who can help you unmask your assets, liabilities, insurance policies, and beneficiary designations. This seasoned professional can also help exorcise your fears about frightening long-term care costs and other spooky stuff like death taxes, leaving you with nothing but peace of mind.

No More Tricks—Just the Treat of Peace of Mind

You’ve been spooked by this task long enough. Don’t let another year pass with estate planning haunting you. Treat  yourself and your loved ones to clarity instead of confusion, preparation instead of panic, and that incredible Relief Factor that comes from knowing everything is handled.

The scariest part is over—it’s just the decision to begin. And I promise, once you do, you’ll wonder why you let it haunt you for so long.

(401) 307-5556

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In Death, Taxes & Change, estate planning attorney Jill M. Santiago guides you through the complex (and often overwhelming) world of wills, trusts, and future planning—with clarity, compassion, and zero legal jargon. Whether you are a Rhode Island resident, a snowbird with property in multiple states, or someone with loved ones who have special needs, this book equips you to create a plan that reflects your values and avoids unnecessary court battles.

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Filed Under: estate planning wills and trusts, Holidays

Address: 2348 Post Rd Suite 106, Warwick, RI 02886 | Phone: (401) 307-5556 | Email: info@jmslawltd.com

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