Wills and Estate

Will: A will is a document that directs how an individual’s property will be distributed after his or her death. A will can be general or specific.

A Will Package almost always makes disposition of a person’s estate easier after their death, whether the estate is large or small. A simple can prevent or reduce potential conflict, reduce costs of probating an estate, preserve beneficiaries’ eligibility for government benefits, and more.

Durable Power of Attorney: A Durable Power of Attorney is a document that appoints an “agent” to handle financial matters on the behalf of an individual, the “principal”. In the event that an individual is unable to handle his or her own financial matters (including management of real estate, bills, insurance, etc.), this document allows the appointed agent to take this role without costly court proceedings. This agent has a legal duty to manage the principal’s money only for the benefit of the principal. This document does not take away the principal’s right to make his or her own financial decisions.

Medical Power of Attorney: A Medical Power of Attorney is a document that appoints an “agent” to make medical decisions on the behalf of an individual, the “principal”. In the event that an individual loses the ability to make or communicate medical decisions, this document allows the appointed agent to take this role without costly court proceedings. This document can provide specific instructions, or simply appoint the agent. This document does not take away the principal’s right to make his or her own medical decisions.

Declaration of Guardian: A Declaration of Guardian is a document that appoints a “guardian” to make financial and/or medical decisions on behalf of an individual, the “ward” and provide care. In the event the ward cannot care for him or herself financially, medically, and/or physically, this document allows the appointed guardian to provide care and make decisions without costly court proceedings. In the event a guardianship becomes necessary, the guardian will make decisions instead of the ward.

Living Will: Also known as a Medical Directive, this document provides instructions in the event an individual becomes dependent on artificial life support. An individual may specify medical treatments that he or she does or does not want in this situation. This document will override the wishes of an agent appointed under a Power of Attorney.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THE WILL PACKAGE? 

Without a will or advanced directives, your loved ones could spend months in court and thousands of dollars in legal fees (ultimately paid out of your estate) arguing over what they think your original intentions were at the end of life or after you died.  Your family will already be grieving your loss.  Don’t compound the problem, alleviate it by properly planning for all phases of your life.