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When Your Doctor Says to “Get Your Affairs in Order” – What to do, Chandler, Arizona

When Your Doctor Says to “Get Your Affairs in Order” – What to do

There are five words no one ever wants to hear from their doctor: “Get your affairs in order.” Unfortunately, 58% of Americans do not have a will or trust, and it often requires a chronic disease or terminal illness diagnosis, or other life-changing event to prompt them to engage in the estate planning process. Talk to your attorney about completing the documents below and follow these tips to protect your future and make the circumstances easier for your loved ones so you can properly address when your doctor says to “get your affairs in order” – what to do.

Living Will

A living will establishes your wishes for medical treatment you do or do not want; it eases the burden on loved ones who may otherwise have to guess at your preferences at an already stressful time. This document may contain “do not resuscitate” (DNR) or “do not intubate” (DNI) orders, or those directives may be contained in a separate standalone document.

Power of Attorney for Healthcare

A power of attorney for healthcare designates a person or persons to make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you are incapacitated and/or not able to. Discuss your views on medical treatments and life-saving measures with these individuals and any loved ones, so they fully understand the decisions you may be asking them to make.

Financial Power of Attorney

A financial power of attorney authorizes the person or persons you designate to carry out certain financial matters on your behalf. However, please be advised banks or investment institutions may have their own separate, required forms. If so, you will also need to complete this paperwork with those particular financial institutions.

Will

In the simplest terms, a will is a written document directing how you want your assets handled when you die. You will need to designate a personal representative to execute the instructions set forth in your will and identify specific assets and their intended recipients. Homes, cars, and financial accounts are some of the assets you will need to address. Make sure to account for digital assets like email, social media accounts, or online trading accounts and cryptocurrency. Some states, such as Arizona and Nebraska, allow for the inclusion of a personal property memorandum that lists your personal possessions and designates the recipients. One benefit of this memorandum is that you can update this document without having to return to your attorney to formally update your will. 

A will can also name a guardian or guardians for your minor children. Without this document in place, a judge will most likely determine who cares for your children after you pass. According to Caring.com, only 36 percent of parents with minor children have a will.

Trust

A trust is a document that allows you to pass assets to a beneficiary and avoid the probate process, as well as allowing for the management of your assets while you are incapacitated. This approach allows you to control who receives your assets, as well as when your beneficiaries can access assets. A third party, known as a trustee, typically manages the assets on your behalf during incapacity or after death.

In addition to making sure you have the basic estate planning documents prepared, there are a few other steps you should take to ensure that your family’s future will be secure.

Facing a chronic or terminal illness diagnosis is overwhelming. We are here to help you reclaim control by assisting you in carefully crafting an estate plan. These efforts will help to ensure that people follow your intentions and to lighten the load on your loved ones.  Feel free to visit our website or call our office today to set up a free 30-minute consultation so you can be prepared for when your doctor says to “get your affairs in order” – what to do.