Summer is here, and it’s in full swing. For most people this means one thing: VACATION. But before you make your way to the lake, the mountains, or the beach, make sure you check all your boxes: Towel? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Cooler full of drinks? Check. Estate Plan…Huh?
That’s right! An essential part of your vacation checklist should be a solid estate plan in case parasailing or white-water rafting doesn’t go quite as you planned. Estate planning is the best way to ensure that your assets and property are distributed according to your wishes when you pass away. A well-prepared estate plan will include a Last Will and Testament, a Durable Power of Attorney, and a Healthcare Power of Attorney or Living Will.
The Last Will and Testament is an instrument that allows you to provide for your loved ones after you pass, continue contributing to charities or your church, and perhaps most importantly, removes stress from your loved ones who would otherwise be left to decide how to distribute your assets. The estate planning attorneys at Long & Long will cater to your specific requests and provide the most thorough and comprehensive plans for your individual needs.
Next, have a Durable Power of Attorney appointed. If for any reason, you become mentally restricted from managing your own financial affairs, your personally appointed Power of Attorney will make those decisions on your behalf. Be sure to name somebody that you trust.
Lastly, appoint a Health Care Power of Attorney to oversee your health needs in the event you become physically or mentally incapacitated. Appointing this person before that time is essential to avoid any question as to who will be responsible for your health care decisions.
The estate planning attorneys at Long & Long have many years of experience preparing these documents and providing clients with the guidance and the services they need to give them security, reassurance, and most importantly, peace of mind so they can enjoy soaking up the sun worry-free this summer.
Call our office at 724.834.9300 to get started on your estate plan or fill out a contact form.