At least White Elephant has structure. There are rules, turns, limits, and an understanding that it’s all in good fun. Estate disputes don’t work that way.
Without a proper plan in place:
There are no clear instructions
No agreed-upon decision-maker
No shared understanding of who gets what — or why
Instead, state law steps in. Courts get involved. Time, money, and emotions are spent sorting out what could have been decided in advance.
When “Stealing” Becomes Permanent
Just like in a White Elephant exchange, family members may feel disappointed, overlooked, or treated unfairly. But unlike a holiday game, these situations don’t end when the party does.
We often see families:
Competing for the same assets
Arguing over sentimental items versus financial value
Revisiting old wounds and misunderstandings
Struggling with blended family dynamics
Holding onto resentment that lasts for years
Verbal promises don’t hold up. Assumptions create conflict. And relationships can fracture permanently.
Clarity Is the Greatest Gift You Can Give
Estate planning isn’t just about legal documents — it’s about communication, clarity, and care.
At Ivy & Owl Law, we help families create plans that:
Clearly reflect your wishes
Name the right people to carry them out
Address both financial and sentimental assets
Reduce confusion and conflict
Give your loved ones confidence during a difficult time
Through our Life & Legacy Planning® process, we help you organize what you own, decide who should receive it and why, and put a plan in place that actually works when it matters most.
Just as important, we help families have these conversations now — while you can explain your intentions and share your reasoning — instead of leaving loved ones to guess later.
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Peace
While others may be laughing over White Elephant steals and swaps, you can give your family something far more meaningful: the peace of knowing they won’t have to fight, guess, or go to court over your wishes.
If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here to help.
This article is a service of Ivy & Owl Law PLLC, a Personal Family LawyerⓇ Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own, separate from this educational material.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
