A Practical and Sometimes Sobering Look at Why Planning Matters

Have you ever asked yourself what will happen to everything you’ve worked for, your home, savings, personal treasures, after you’re gone? If you haven’t made a formal plan, the answer might be more unsettling than you realize.

Dying without a will, known legally as dying intestate, means that the state, not you or your loved ones, decides how your estate is distributed. In most cases, this leads to a long, costly probate process and outcomes that may not reflect your wishes or values.

When You Don’t Plan, the State Decides

Every state has its own laws governing intestate succession. Generally, your estate is divided among your closest living relatives, often starting with your spouse and children. If you don’t have immediate family, your assets might go to distant relatives you barely knew, or worse, escheat to the state if no heirs are found.

This process not only creates confusion and stress for your loved ones but also eliminates your ability to support the causes that you love, like Catholic Charities of New York and communities that mattered to you in life.

Why Planning Matters

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. It’s a vital step for anyone who wants to leave a clear legacy.  A thoughtfully crafted will or trust:

• Ensures your assets go where you want them to
• Provides for your family and dependents
• Reduces delays, taxes, and legal costs
• Gives you a voice in your legacy

Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to make a lasting difference by supporting the organizations, like Catholic Charities of New York, that reflect your values.

Leave a Legacy of Compassion

At Catholic Charities of New York, we believe in a legacy built on love, dignity, and service. By including Catholic Charities of New York in your estate plans, you ensure that your faith and generosity will continue to uplift vulnerable New Yorkers long into the future.

Your planned gift, whether through a bequest, charitable gift annuity, or trust, helps provide food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, counseling for struggling families, and hope for those who feel forgotten.

Planning ahead gives you peace of mind today and empowers you to be part of something eternal, God’s work through the mission of Catholic Charities of New York in service of others.

Take the First Step

Planning your estate is easier than you think. To learn more about ways you can include Catholic Charities of New York in your legacy, please visit CatholicCharitiesNY.giftplans.org. Our planned giving team is here to answer your questions, offer guidance, and help you make a meaningful impact.