An estate plan is a highly personal journey for most families. Most people don’t think of the role science may play when they are creating an estate plan. Reproductive science and changing families are playing a role in how the average Michigan family may choose to pursue the creation of an estate plan.
The freezing of eggs is becoming a more commonplace part of how couples reproduce, as is noted in the fact that several companies now cover egg freezing as part of their health plans. The frozen eggs can be seen as future heirs as a family moves forward with deciding the fate of assets and property. There are never-ending scenarios regarding how frozen eggs can complicate a plan, such as the fate of those eggs if the biological mother dies before using them.
It is recommended that any family that needs to take the presence of frozen eggs into consideration understands that they may need to define whether the eggs are seen as children or grandchildren who need to be included in the estate plan. The family members affected by the role of frozen eggs need to have an honest and clear conversation about the eggs and how everyone will perceive them for the sake of an estate plan. Clear and open communication about the eggs among affected family members can help stave off any miscommunication or complications later.
No two estate plans are alike. Today more than ever, families in Michigan are comprised of members who may not be exactly biological. When eggs are factored into the equation, those family members may not even exist yet. Frank discussions and plans for how everyone involved will view any frozen eggs can help all families better plan and prepare an estate plan that actually works for the unique situation at hand.
Source: Forbes, “How Freezing Eggs Can Affect Your Estate Plan“, Joan M. Burda, Dec. 10, 2014
