Wills

Every adult should have an estate plan, that is, a legally binding plan in writing as what his/her wishes are upon his/her death or incapacitation. "Estate" does not necessarily mean large and extensive holdings, but is a term used to describe everything a person owns in any fashion: money, house, cars, stocks, etc. The General Estate Plan should include at a minimum the following documents:

• A Will or Trust which will direct how your estate will be distributed according to your wishes upon your death;
  
  
• A Living Will or Directive to Physicians which directs your health care provider how you wish him/her to proceed upon your incapacity and near-death when you can not give instructions;
  
  
• A Durable Power of Attorney which appoints a person to act legally for you if you are not incapacitated and cannot act for yourself;
  
  
• And, a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care which allows someone to act on your behalf with regard to medical decisions when you are incapacitated and unable to make these decisions. These documents should be reviewed periodically
  as your circumstance changes.

 

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