The Worst White Elephant Gift of All: Family Conflict

We’ve all been there. The White Elephant exchange starts out fun and harmless—until Uncle Jim “steals” the massage gun he obviously brought to win back. Couples team up to keep the best gifts in the family. Cousin Sarah ends up with the singing fish. And someone is definitely still bitter about that coffee mug from three swaps ago.

Now imagine that same energy—but instead of silly gifts, it’s Dad’s classic car, Mom’s jewelry, or the family cabin on the line. No rules. No turns. And no laughing it off afterward.

The Game You Never Want to Be Part Of

Without a proper estate plan, that's exactly what happens when families are left to figure things out after someone passes. The stakes are infinitely higher, and the damage can last generations.

At least White Elephant has rules. Everyone knows when their turn is, there's a limit on how many times something can be stolen, and everyone agreed to play. When someone dies without a clear plan, there are no rules, no referee, and definitely no agreement about who gets what.

When "Stealing" Gets Real

Just like in White Elephant, family members fight over the same items, feel cheated when someone else gets what they expected, and keep score of who got "more." They may form alliances against other family members and harbor resentment that lasts years. The difference? You can't laugh it off at next year's party. These wounds often never heal.

Without clear direction, the state's rules decide who gets what, someone has to go to court to be put in charge (expensive and time-consuming), and family members may race to claim items before others can. Sentimental value gets ignored in favor of monetary value. Verbal promises mean nothing without documentation. Children from different relationships battle current spouses.

Creating Clarity Instead of Conflict

At my firm, we’ll help you create more than just documents. We ensure everyone knows exactly what you want to happen, with your chosen person in charge rather than whoever gets to court first. Sentimental items go to the people who'll treasure them, and your values and wishes guide every decision.

Most importantly, we help you have these conversations now, while you can explain your decisions and share your love, instead of leaving your family to guess and argue later. During our Life & Legacy PlanningⓇ Session, you'll get clear on what you own and what it's worth, decide who should receive what and why, and create a plan that actually works when your family needs it.

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Peace

While other families are strategizing their White Elephant steals and nursing grudges over who ended up with what, you can give your family something priceless: the gift of never having to fight over your estate.

Schedule your complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call today to take the first step!