Resources

Estate and legacy planning often raise important questions for individuals and families. Understanding the responsibilities involved and the decisions that shape an estate plan can help make the process clearer and more manageable.

These resources are provided to help individuals and families better understand the practical aspects of estate planning and estate administration.

What the Legacy Plan Helps Organize

Legacy planning helps bring clarity to the details that support your estate plan. The process focuses on four important areas:

  1.   Your Information: Organizing key financial information, documents, and important contacts.
  2.   Your Wishes: Reflecting on the intentions and priorities that shape your legacy.
  3.   Executor Guidance: Preparing clear instructions to help your executor understand and carry out your wishes.
  4.   Advisor Coordination: Providing organized information that supports discussions with legal and financial professionals.

Articles & Insights

Sharon regularly shares insights and practical guidance related to estate planning, executor responsibilities, and preparing families for the realities of estate administration.

Examples of topics may include:

* Why having a will is only one part of estate planning *
* The risks of relying on online will kits *
* What executors often struggle with after someone dies *
* Preparing digital accounts and passwords for your executor *
* Why families sometimes struggle after a loss *

Helpful Resources For Executors

EXECUTOR ESSENTIALS

A Step-by-Step Guide to Estate Settlement

Confidently step into your role as executor.

Settling an estate can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re unsure where to begin. The Executor Essentials guide walks you through the entire journey—from the first 48 hours to final estate settlement—breaking the process into clear, manageable steps so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Created with real families in mind, this 70-page guide helps you stay organized, make notes, understand your responsibilities, and avoid common pitfalls—without feeling like you have to figure it all out on your own.

Clear steps. Practical guidance. Confidence when it matters most.

Price $19.95 plus shipping

Every family situation is different.

If you are navigating executor responsibilities, Power of Attorney roles, or family advocacy challenges, a conversation can help clarify your next steps.

FAQ’s

What is the Amethyst Legacy Plan?

The Amethyst Legacy Plan is a guided process that helps you organize your information, think through important decisions, and prepare for estate planning before meeting with a lawyer.

It ensures your legal documents reflect your wishes and makes things easier for your family and executor.

Do I still need a lawyer?

Yes.

I do not prepare legal documents. Instead, I help you get organized and make informed decisions so your lawyer can create documents that accurately reflect your intentions.

How is this different from an online will kit?

Online will kits focus on filling in forms.

The Amethyst Legacy Plan focuses on your decisions, your information, and your overall plan. Without that preparation, important details are often missed, and documents may not fully reflect your situation.

Who is this service for?

This service is ideal for individuals and couples who:

  • haven’t reviewed their plan in several years
  • have experienced a life or financial change
  • feel unsure where to start
  • want to make things easier for their family
Can couples complete the plan together?

Yes. 

The Amethyst Legacy Plan is designed for individuals and couples. When working with couples, we guide you through shared and individual decisions to ensure your plan reflects both perspectives and works together cohesively.

What if my situation is complex?

Some situations may require additional advisory support to address blended families, businesses, or other considerations.

What if I already have an estate plan?

You don’t need to start over.

I offer review sessions to walk through your existing plan, revisit your decisions, and make sure everything still reflects your wishes and your current life.

What does the process look like?

Depending on the plan you choose, the process may include: 

  1. Completing a guided questionnaire
  2. Reviewing your decisions and information together
  3. Organizing key details for your records
  4. Preparing you for a more efficient meeting with your lawyer
How long does the process take?

Most clients complete their Legacy Plan over a few weeks, depending on how quickly they work through the questionnaire and schedule their session where included. 

What information do I need to get started?

You don’t need everything upfront.

The process will guide you through gathering assets, accounts, insurance details, key contacts, and important decisions.

How do you charge for your services?

The Amethyst Legacy Plans are offered at a set fee.  

Additional support, including review sessions or advisory meetings, is available as needed and offered as an advisory service. You can choose the level of support that feels right for you.

Do I need to make a long-term commitment to Amethyst?

No.

You can work with me for a single service, such as the Legacy Plan or a review session, or return for support over time as your life and circumstances change.

What responsibilities and standards apply to Certified Executor Advisors (CEA)?

As a Certified Executor Advisor, I follow professional standards that focus on education, guidance, and ethical support in estate and executor planning.

My role is to help clients understand their responsibilities, organize information, and prepare for the practical side of estate administration.

Is Amethyst Estate Management a trust company?

No — Amethyst Estate Management Inc. is not a trust company.

I do provide professional Executor and Power of Attorney services. As Executor, an estate account is set up to manage all assets and transactions.

As Power of Attorney, you continue to retain ownership and control of your accounts, with support provided as needed.

Why is this important if I already “have things in my head”?

In many cases, families and executors are left trying to piece things together during a difficult time.

Having your information organized and your decisions clearly outlined reduces stress, prevents confusion, and helps ensure your wishes are carried out.

What makes your approach different?

I focus on the preparation side of estate planning — the part that is often overlooked.

By helping you get organized and think through your decisions in advance, I help create clarity for you, your family, and the professionals supporting you.

Still Have Questions?

If you would like guidance on legacy planning or have questions about your situation, a conversation can help clarify your next steps.

What Our Clients Are Saying

I was named as my mom’s executor after she passed away from a long, difficult illness. Managing her affairs and clearing out her home was overwhelming, especially since I had never done anything like that before.

After going through that experience, I’ve now completed my own Amethyst Legacy Plan because I want things to be as straightforward as possible for my own executor(s).

I recently had the chance to review the new Amethyst Executor Kit, I thought to myself—I would have given my eye-teeth for something like this when Mom passed.  This is an incredible tool for a time that is often exhausting and emotionally draining. Honestly, it’s worth twice the price. – LQ

Legal

Disclaimer:

The information provided by Amethyst Estate Management Inc. is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or tax advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information presented, it may not reflect the most current legal, financial, or regulatory developments.

Clients are encouraged to seek advice from qualified legal, financial, or tax professionals before making decisions related to estate planning, legal documentation, or financial matters.

The Amethyst Legacy Plan and related advisory services are designed to help individuals organize their information, clarify their wishes, and prepare for discussions with their legal and financial professionals. These services do not replace professional legal, tax, or financial advice, and legal documents such as a Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, or Personal Directive should be prepared by qualified legal professionals.

Guidance related to executor responsibilities, Power of Attorney roles, and estate administration is provided for informational and organizational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal direction or fiduciary decision-making unless Amethyst Estate Management Inc. has been formally appointed in such a role.