A Crisis Can Happen

The effects of COVID-19 are scary. That is something that we can probably all agree on. If you're feeling concerned about the potential health effects of COVID-19, you are not alone.

As medical experts predict a new wave of the virus in the coming months, it's important to be prepared for every scenario. Keep in mind that setting up or reviewing your estate plan is just as important as stocking up on supplies.

If you don't have a plan, or your plan is over three years old, the time to make sure your wishes are known, and your affairs are in order is now—while you are still in good health and able to talk about your desires.

Here are some priorities to consider when thinking about your estate plan and your wishes for care if you become sick, disabled, or incapacitated.

Review Your Beneficiaries

If you have a life insurance policy, retirement savings plan, or other financial accounts, check to see who is listed as your beneficiary and update your beneficiary designation document if necessary. You may also name a beneficiary on real estate.

You may want to select a contingent beneficiary if you haven't already. In most cases, this can be done online which is especially convenient during times like this.

Update Your Will and Trusts

Everyone over the age of 18 should have a basic estate plan that includes a will, financial power of attorney and healthcare directives.

If you have children who are young adults, encourage them to have these documents prepared. If you have minor children or assets including life insurance, you'll need a more complete will and, in most cases, a trust.

If you have a will or trust that is older, take a look at wishes you voiced in your documents and who you appointed in authority roles (personal representative, trustee, guardian) to make sure that you are still happy with your choices.

Also, make sure that your documents reflect a current snapshot of your asset portfolio.

Add an Advance Healthcare Directive and Financial Power of Attorney

If you become ill and confined to a hospital or otherwise incapacitated, an Advance Healthcare Directive will allow a person of your choosing to make decisions related to your healthcare on your behalf.

Be sure to discuss your desires with this person. Let them know that you will be giving them this responsibility so that they can be prepared.

You'll also need to include a Financial Power of Attorney in your estate plan which gives someone you've selected the authority to manage your financial affairs if you are incapacitated. This can be the same person you've chosen in your Advance Healthcare Directive, or you can choose another person to take on this position.

Both documents are essential for anyone over the age of 18, including young adults who are not married and do not have children. Once your child reaches the age of 18 (or 19 in some states), you no longer have certain rights. These documents can help eliminate any problems or delays if your adult child becomes ill.

Although it's perfectly normal to experience a sense of panic during a pandemic, being prepared for even the worst possibilities will hopefully give you some peace of mind.

If you need help reviewing your documents or creating a plan, please feel free to contact our firm for a complimentary consultation.

260.969.1177

https://www.grundenlaw.com/contact-us