Death and illness are realities that we will all face. By having certain legal documents, you can articulate your wishes, and ease the process for loved ones to carry out your wishes during your life and after your death. There are three legal documents that every adult should have—a living will, a durable power of attorney, and a last will and testament. Under most circumstances, these documents can be prepared for a flat fee. Sandra can also guide you through the probate process after a loved one passes away, or provide counsel in situations where legal guardianship or conservatorship must be sought.
What is a Last Will and Testament? In its simplest form, a Will is a document that disposes of your property after you die. It usually nominates an Executor to coordinate the administration of your estate, and names Beneficiaries who will receive the estate assets. You do not need to list your assets in your Will, as they change over time. If you have an item of special value or significance that you would like to leave to a specific person, however, you may designate such a gift in your will. If you have minor children, you should name a Guardian to take care of your children in your absence. If you have minor children, you should also set up a trust that will be distributed when your children reach a certain age, and a Trustee to expend funds from the trust to provide for your children until they reach that age. In Kentucky and Indiana, you can also create trusts for the care of your pets.
What is a Durable Power of Attorney? This is a document in which you (the Principal) choose another person (your Attorney-in-Fact) to represent your interests in legal and financial matters. This is particularly helpful should you become mentally incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. (For example, your Attorney-in-Fact can write checks from your accounts to pay for your bills.)
What is a Designation of a Health Care Surrogate/Living Will? In this document, you name a Health Care Proxy who can make all medical decisions for you, generally without extra proof of your wishes. However with respect to the decision to remove life support equipment, the Health Care Proxy must be able to prove to the doctors that this is in fact your wish, which can be proven by the Living Will portion of this document. The Living Will generally specifies whether you do/do not want to be kept alive by feeding tubes, cardiac resuscitation, or other extraordinary means. Within the Living Will, you may also authorize the giving of anatomical gifts for medical schools, research, or individual transplantation.
Please complete this Life Planning Information Form prior to meeting with Sandra.
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“My father hired (Sandra) to do his will. When I probated it, the judge commented that it will was very well drafted. Thank you for taking good care of my father!”