Do you have a will? Ask yourself this: Do you want to determine where your assets go, or do you want the state to do it? No one ever plans to be sick or disabled. Yet, it’s this kind of planning that can give us peace of mind for our loved ones and make all the difference in an emergency.
Coping with unexpected and serious illness or medical conditions brings emotional, psychological and spiritual challenges. Unfortunately, mundane logistical details must be managed as well. If you don’t address them now, someone else will have to address them later, so best to make your wishes known now and put everything in order as you would like it.
There are many different types of legal documents that can help you plan how your affairs will be handled. State laws vary, so find out about the rules, requirements, and forms used in your state.
Steps to get your affairs in order include:
- Put your important papers and copies of legal documents in one place.
- Tell a trusted family member or friend where you put all your important papers.
- Consider preparing a living will to make it easier for family members to make tough healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to make your wishes known.
“Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate.” Ambrose Bierce