Family Photos, and Ways to Prepare Keepsakes

 Unless you are a famous celebrity or part of history, family photo are only valuable to you and your loved ones.  We all know that having a will is very important. It helps your family know what your desires are, and who you want your belongings to go to. But what happens when you die and do not have a will? The state you reside in will determine who gets everything or how it should be divided. And with family photos, it's hard to decide which family member gets which photos.  Will each family member only get photos that they are actually in?  And what about wedding photos,  usually the children come after the wedding, so who gets those? Writing out a letter stating who gets which photos, even though it's not really legally binding, will help the judge know what your wishes truly were.

Albums for my children 

Parents may want to disburse certain items and photos before they die, so that a child can enjoy the items longer, this will also help avoid claims after you die.  Another way to lessen disagreements concerning family photos, is making copies for everyone now, you can make digital or actual prints.  This way you can talk to each family member about what photos,  they would enjoy having as a keepsake. When my mother passed away in 2019, I received some originals and some scanned copies.  If no one claims your things or the landlord illegally throws away or donates your household items. Your family photos they may end up at your local thrift store or the Goodwill, for all to see. Some shoppers try to find the owners but sadly most are never claimed. 

If you have photos that are actual prints, please take the time and write the name and date on the back. This way your children and other family members will know who's in the photograph and when it was taken. That will help lost photos, be reunited with your family. For myself, I've decided to make each of my adult children a photo album. I know estate planning is difficult, but taking care of this, might give you a sense of relief and accomplishment. 

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