Planning for later will provide peace of mind NOW.

The Law Office of Wendy Anderson counsels and educates individuals with personal matters such as wills, living wills and powers of attorney and can draft any of these needed documents for anyone over the age of 18. Preparing these documents in advance is really a gift you are giving to your loved ones, so that they do not have to make these decisions at such a difficult time.

WILLS

A will is a critical document because it ensures that you, and not state law, determine who receives your personal property and financial assets after you pass away. Without a will, the state’s intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed, even if that is not how you would have wanted it. The laws regarding the validity of wills are very specific, so it is important that an attorney draft it.

LIVING WILLS

A living will is a declaration of the type of medical treatment you desire should you become incapacitated or can no longer communicate your wishes. The living will can specify not only affirmative medical treatment and pain relief given your quality of life, but also your funeral wishes, organ donation and if you desire to have a DNR (do not resuscitate) order placed in your medical file. This document speaks for you when you cannot.

HEALTHCARE POWERS OF ATTORNEY

A healthcare power of attorney names a person as your agent to make your medical decisions, when you are incapacitated, and have access to your medical records. The amount of power designated is completely up to you and their power can be subservient to the directions in your living will.

DURABLE FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

This document gives someone the authority to handle any or all financial transactions on your behalf. If you are unable or do not desire to do this yourself, your designee can invest or sell your assets, pay your bills and communicate with debtors and creditors.

BENEFICIARY DEEDS

If you own your home (even if you have a mortgage) this deed will transfer your equity interest in the property to the person you designate. Once the deed is recorded, this transfer is immediate upon death, so the real estate does not become part of your probate estate.

For your peace of mind, it is critical to execute these documents to ensure your wishes are carried out when you can no longer speak for yourself. Because you must complete these while you are physically and mentally able to do so, contact the Law Office of Wendy Anderson today.