A Will, a Designation of Agent in a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Power of Attorney and a Declaration of Desire for A Natural Death (often referred to as a “living will”) are important legal documents recommended for almost every person.
Generic forms often do not conform with individual state laws and regulations and, therefore, may create issues with estate administration.
Our lawyers have vast experience in assisting clients with the proper documents, tailored to their individual needs.
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that designates how a person wishes their property, both real and personal, be distributed at their death. A Last Will and Testament is especially important for people with minor children. Guardians for minor children are designated in Wills and Trustees to handle the minor child’s financial affairs are also designted in Wills.
A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that designates another person to handle the maker’s financial affairs if the maker becomes incompetent or is otherwise unable to handle their financial affairs. This is a very important document. If a person becomes incompetent and does not have a Power of Attorney, then legal action may have to be taken to have the court appoint an agent for the incompetent person. This can be a very lenthly and costly process. A Power of Attorney terminates on the death of the maker.
A Health Care Power of Attorney is very similar to a Durable Power of Attorney, except the authority is given to handle a person’s medical and health care issues instead of financial issues.
A Declaration of Desire for A Natural Death is a legal document that expresses the desire of the maker to either be kept alive, or not kept alive, by artificial means.
Estate planning documents need to be reviewed by an attorney occasionally to insure they are compliant with ever-changing state laws.