As your loved ones age, it is important to make sure that their interests are made clear and respected. There are many types of legal documents that can help in this endeavor. You can learn more about these legal preparations in this section of our website.
Types of Wills
While it is not pleasant to think about, creating a Last Will and Testament is an essential part of getting older. So many Americans do not have this document, and their families suffer as a result! A Last Will and Testament informs others of how a person wants their assets divided after they die. A Will does many things, but it essentially protects a person’s interests, finances, property, and family. If you have elderly loved ones, make sure that they have updated Wills in place. This can make a big difference down the line. Learn more about the Last Will and Testament here.
There are many different types of Will. Another common form is the Living Will. A Living Will is set up for situations where a person becomes ill and can no longer make medical decisions on their own, or cannot express their wishes. For example, if a person becomes mentally incapacitated or falls into a coma. While you might not think that these issues could happen to your family, it is a good idea to be prepared. A Living Will tells a person’s family what to do in the event that end-of-life medical care is necessary. Learn more about the Living Will here.
Other Options
Next, consider conservatorship for you and your family. If you feel that an elderly loved one can no longer care for themselves, conservatorship can help. You can become your parent’s conservator, which means that you can make legal decisions on behalf of your parent. In some cases, you could become the conservator for another elderly loved one, such as an aunt or uncle. Conservatorship could be voluntary or involuntary depending on the situation. Learn more about it on this page.
Power of attorney is similar in some ways to conservatorship. These things are similar in that they allow another person to take over legal responsibilities for a person. Your loved one might benefit from a power of attorney in a specific situation, or in general. Check out this page to learn more about power of attorney and if it is a good fit for your elderly loved one.
Some of these legal preparations can bring up difficult concepts and conversations for you and your family. However, it is important to be proactive in order to protect your family. Consider these documents and legal preparations in order to protect your loved one as well as your entire family. If you need help with a document or concept, feel free to contact our office. We are happy to help your family make the best decision for your circumstances.
