October is National Estate Planning Month and marks Donor Advised Fund Day — an ideal time to begin planning
Estate planning is one of those tasks people tend to put off — until life reminds them why it matters. That’s why Scott Alperin, J.D., founder of Alperin Law & Wealth, says the right time to plan is before a crisis happens. “Estate planning isn’t just about what happens when you die,” he says. “It’s also about what happens if you become ill or incapacitated.
“If a sudden illness or accident leaves you unable to speak for yourself — even temporarily—it is critical to make sure that your loved ones not only know what to do, but more importantly, that they have the legal authority and guidance you’d want for your care, your finances, your home, and even your online accounts,” he says. “Without a proper incapacity plan in place, your family may be forced to go through an expensive and stressful court process known as guardianship and conservatorship in which the court decides your decision maker.”
Building the foundation of a comprehensive plan
Alperin, who practices both estate planning and elder law, explains that every thoughtful plan begins with two key questions: “What happens if I pass away?” and “What happens if I can’t make decisions for myself?” A comprehensive plan answers both, combining legal structure with practical foresight.
The first step is determining whether one’s foundational plan will be based on a Last Will and Testament, a Revocable Living Trust, or involve other planning techniques. From there, a complete plan includes essential ancillary documents such as a General Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Advance Medical Directive (Living Will), HIPAA Authorization, and Tangible Personal Property Memorandum to ensure that every aspect of one’s legal and personal affairs is covered.
“The earlier you start, the more options you have,” Alperin says. “You can explore tools that protect assets, provide for long-term care, and reflect your values, not just your valuables.”
Integrating charitable planning
“Many of my clients give generously during their lifetime,” Alperin notes, “but they don’t always realize how easily they can make lifetime gifts that benefit charities while at the same time reduce their tax burden. My clients are also sometimes surprised to learn that they can structure their estate plans in a way that will provide meaningful gifts to charity without sacrificing the legacy they want to leave for their families.”
That’s where the Tidewater Jewish Foundation becomes a key partner. TJF works side-by-side with professional advisors such as Alperin to help individuals align their estate plans with their charitable and family goals. Through donor education, personalized guidance, and charitable tools such as Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and endowments, TJF makes it easy to integrate philanthropy into a comprehensive financial and legacy plan. TJF also manages the administrative side — handling grant distributions, fund compliance, and long-term investment management— so donors can focus on what matters most: the impact they want to leave on their community.
Four actions to take today to prepare
1. Gather key documents — Collect account statements, deeds, insurance policies, and beneficiary forms.
2. Assess goals — Identify priorities such as caring for family, protecting assets, and giving back to community.
3. Consult a professional — Work with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure documents comply with state laws and reflect personal wishes.
4. Incorporate Charitable giving — Partner with TJF to explore options such as Donor Advised Funds, legacy estate bequests, trusts, or IRA Charitable Rollover distributions to establish Restricted Funds that offer immediate tax benefits and long-term community impact.
“Crafting a thoughtful estate plan is a gift to your loved ones,” Alperin says. “It protects your family, preserves your values, and gives you peace of mind knowing your legacy will continue for generations.”
To learn more about integrating charitable giving into an estate or trust plan, contact Tidewater Jewish Foundation at www.tidewaterjewishfoundation.org or 757-965-6100.
Scott N. Alperin, J.D., is the founder of Alperin Law in Virginia Beach and an Estate Planning Law Specialist and Accredited Estate Planner.