If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones, at minimum you need the following three documents:
POWER OF ATTORNEY
What is it? A document that gives someone else the ability to handle all or some of your affairs. It can be limited in scope or general. It can be springing (it starts when you are incapacitated) or durable (the person is always able to act in your behalf).
Why do I need it? Without it, who is going to pay your bills, manage applications to services, handle your health insurance or otherwise do all the things you need done for you when you are incapacitated?
WILL
What is it? A document that says how you want your assets divided when you die.
Why do I need it? You need it to have a say in how your assets are divided, who raises your minor children, who carries out your wishes. Otherwise, a court will decide, and that may not lead to results that would make you happy.
LIVING WILL
What is it? A document that tells your loved ones and medical caretakers what your wishes are if you are unable to tell them yourself.
Why do I need it? Don’t leave your loved ones to make a tough decision about what to do based on their guess of what you would want. Give them the relief of knowing they are carrying out your wishes, and give yourself the dignity of making your own healthcare choices.
If you need help getting these documents prepared, we can do that! Call for a questionnaire and free consult 856-227-7888.