Life can be unpredictable. Just when you think everything is going smoothly, a curveball can be thrown your way. This was the case for my sister-in-law, who was living a full and active life until a sudden stroke changed everything.
During a family road trip to a family reunion in Fort Myers, Florida, my sister-in-law suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed. We were immediately thrown into a whirlwind of medical decisions and arrangements.
As we scrambled to ensure her well-being, important questions arose: Did she have a medical directive or a durable power of attorney in place? What will happen to her care and her home? Unfortunately, we discovered that she had no estate planning documents whatsoever.
Thankfully, my sister-in-law is recovering, though her physical and mental capabilities have been significantly impacted. She will now need to apply for disability compensation, a process that can be complex and time-consuming. This experience has served as a stark reminder of the importance of estate planning (which she is now planning for with us!).
Why is estate planning so crucial?
- Peace of Mind: Having a plan in place can provide immense peace of mind for you and your loved ones, knowing that your wishes will be carried out even if you are unable to communicate them.
- Avoid Legal Complications: Without proper estate planning documents, your loved ones may face legal challenges and delays in settling your affairs that can last anywhere from several months to several years.
- Protect Your Assets: Estate planning can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and avoid potential disputes among family members.
What should be included in your estate planning? At My Pink lawyer we offer a comprehensive plan. This can include the following documents:
- Will: A will outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death.
- Trust: A trust can be used to manage your assets and protect them from creditors or potential lawsuits.
- Durable Power of Attorney: This document appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
- Living Will: A living will expresses your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that you are unable to make your own decisions.
- Designation of Health Care Surrogate: This document appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so, and includes a HIPAA release so that doctors and hospitals do not get sued for talking and releasing information to your health care surrogates.
- Organ Donor: You may request to donate your organs, tissues, or body parts for transplant, therapy, research, education and/or the advancement of science.
- Appointment of Agent: In this document you appoint someone to carry out your burial or cremation wishes.
In my sister-in-law’s words… “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.” I am grateful that she is still with us today and has stayed strong through this process. I have taken her words and use them as my anthem in my daily life.
Don't wait. Life is full of uncertainties. By taking the time to create an estate plan, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from unnecessary stress and complications.
Yours Truly,
Angela “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” Smith
Paralegal & Upcoming Attorney, My Pink Lawyer®
