The "Other Half" of Estate Planning

Estate planning isn't just about what happens to your family, loved ones, and property when you die. It's also about putting plans in place to allow others to help you during your life. In particular, two documents are just as important as your Will (or Trust). They are the "other half" of estate planning. Like writing your Will (or Trust), the best time to get them is before you need them. If you wait, it may become too late!

Health Care Power of Attorney with Advance Directives Regarding a Natural Death: What will happen when you need medical attention, but you can't communicate about what you want? Who will make your health care decisions? The Health Care Power of Attorney with Advance Directives Regarding a Natural Death allows you to address these issues and more. It's an act of self-empowerment and self-determination for you and kindness for your loved ones. It prevents them from worrying and wondering what you would want.

Durable General Power of Attorney: If you're incapacitated, who can access your accounts to pay your bills? If you leave town for an extended time, who can manage the day-to-day aspects of your life? A Durable General Power of Attorney answers these questions and more. And, the "durability" of this document means it stays in place even if you become legally incompetent to manage your affairs. 

Need more info on these documents? Check out this article from AARP. Want to keep reading about this & other estate planning topics? Don’t miss &Law’s other blog posts and join the &Law’s newsletter.