Preparing for Your Inevitable Demise
A Few Things You Should Have in Order Before You Go.
We plan a trip and make sure we have everything we need like tickets, schedules, clothing and necessities packed, car gassed up, etc.
The same should be true when we depart for the last time.
My mother passed a year and a half ago. She was 93. She had all her business in order: an updated will, a living will, power of attorney representative including a healthcare power of attorney. She also had paid-up insurance, her funeral arrangements made and pre-paid with the funeral home.
As difficult as her passing was, I was at peace knowing she was at peace and all the above was in order for her final journey.
Getting Ready for the Trip
Although a person can prepare their own will, it's better to employ an attorney and have them prepare several other documents:
Standard Will - creating a will is the smartest way to stay in control over who gets what of your property, who will administer your estate, and who will serve as guardian of your children. A will has to meet the requirements of state law. The language should be specific, unequivocal, and accurate. So often when wills are created without the assistance of an attorney, there are issues later that could have been avoided. An attorney will use language that is understood by executors of will, officers of the court and beneficiaries.
Living Will - A living will states your wishes (such as Do Not Resuscitate) regarding life sustaining treatment, artificially administered food and water, and other end of life decisions.
Review and update these documents when any of these eight events occur: changes in the law, impending good fortune, financial setbacks, change in committed relationships, becoming a parent, becoming a grandparent, losing a spouse, and bad health.
Power of Attorney and Healthcare Power of Attorney - A healthcare Power of Attorney gives a trustworthy family member, friend or individual the decision-making power to care for the principal should they become incapacitated or is unable to handle matters related to healthcare. While it is common to appoint the same person to handle both financial and medical decisions for the principal, in some cases it makes sense to separate the two. The power can be immediate or only upon incapacity.
Final Wishes Planning - This can be done by a reputable funeral director who can guide you through the process. There are also planning tools online that you can complete your final wishes and take to the funeral home in advance or at time of need.
Life and Health Insurance - Often there are other expenses that remain after a person's passing. Having health insurance will pay medical expenses. Having life insurance will pay funeral expenses, a mortgage, car loans, other personal debt, and living expenses moving forward.
Some people are apprehensive about seeking out an attorney, they fear the cost more than anything. However, preparing a will, living will, and power of attorney can be easy to afford with a provider attorney firm provided by LegalShield.
You're only a few clicks away from having everything packed and ready to go. The best part of the trip is knowing you will arrive safely and those back home are remembering you with fondness.
We plan a trip and make sure we have everything we need like tickets, schedules, clothing and necessities packed, car gassed up, etc.
The same should be true when we depart for the last time.
My mother passed a year and a half ago. She was 93. She had all her business in order: an updated will, a living will, power of attorney representative including a healthcare power of attorney. She also had paid-up insurance, her funeral arrangements made and pre-paid with the funeral home.
As difficult as her passing was, I was at peace knowing she was at peace and all the above was in order for her final journey.
Getting Ready for the Trip
Although a person can prepare their own will, it's better to employ an attorney and have them prepare several other documents:
Standard Will - creating a will is the smartest way to stay in control over who gets what of your property, who will administer your estate, and who will serve as guardian of your children. A will has to meet the requirements of state law. The language should be specific, unequivocal, and accurate. So often when wills are created without the assistance of an attorney, there are issues later that could have been avoided. An attorney will use language that is understood by executors of will, officers of the court and beneficiaries.Living Will - A living will states your wishes (such as Do Not Resuscitate) regarding life sustaining treatment, artificially administered food and water, and other end of life decisions.
Review and update these documents when any of these eight events occur: changes in the law, impending good fortune, financial setbacks, change in committed relationships, becoming a parent, becoming a grandparent, losing a spouse, and bad health.
Power of Attorney and Healthcare Power of Attorney - A healthcare Power of Attorney gives a trustworthy family member, friend or individual the decision-making power to care for the principal should they become incapacitated or is unable to handle matters related to healthcare. While it is common to appoint the same person to handle both financial and medical decisions for the principal, in some cases it makes sense to separate the two. The power can be immediate or only upon incapacity.
Final Wishes Planning - This can be done by a reputable funeral director who can guide you through the process. There are also planning tools online that you can complete your final wishes and take to the funeral home in advance or at time of need.
Life and Health Insurance - Often there are other expenses that remain after a person's passing. Having health insurance will pay medical expenses. Having life insurance will pay funeral expenses, a mortgage, car loans, other personal debt, and living expenses moving forward.
Some people are apprehensive about seeking out an attorney, they fear the cost more than anything. However, preparing a will, living will, and power of attorney can be easy to afford with a provider attorney firm provided by LegalShield.
You're only a few clicks away from having everything packed and ready to go. The best part of the trip is knowing you will arrive safely and those back home are remembering you with fondness.
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