Elder Law Attorneys Use Last Will and Testaments to Honor Clients' Final Requests

Dec 12
08:16

2011

Kerry Peck

Kerry Peck

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If you are looking for a way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your estate in the event that you can no longer care for your own affairs, perhaps it's time to consider hiring an elder law attorney. Elder law attorneys draft wills that legally bind caretakers to honor your requests and work in your best interest.

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Elder law attorneys assist clients with complex matters that pertain to their final affairs -- this is referred to as estate planning. Estate planning often includes both types of wills: A Living Will and a Last Will and Testament. These forms serve to protect you,Elder Law Attorneys Use Last Will and Testaments to Honor Clients' Final Requests Articles as well as loved ones who may be affected when circumstances indicate that one cannot work in his or her own best interest any longer.

When It Comes To Elder Law, Lawyers Draft Wills That Protect You, Your Loved Ones and Your Assets

A Living Will is a written and signed legal document that provides both health care providers and family members with instructions regarding how you would like to proceed in the event that you require long term health care, are diagnosed with a terminal illness or fall into a long term vegetative state. Living Wills detail your wishes regarding what kind of resuscitation or artificial life preservation efforts should be made on your behalf. By planning ahead and drafting a Living Will with an elder law attorney, you reserve the right to make decisions on your own behalf that legally must be honored by anyone entrusted with your care. 

Elder law lawyers also specialize in creating Last Will and Testament documents, which safeguard four important aspects of your financial estate. Together with your lawyer, you can discuss a plan of action as to who shall take over as the executor of your estate, with the amount of influence and power this person should have in managing your assets. Your Last Will and Testament also details who shall inherit your property, as well as how your property and assets are going to be divided. Having a legal document outlining the division of your estate ensures that your property shall be inherited as you see fit.

Wills can also serve another important purpose, one that is not related to financial affairs at all. They can serve to appoint a legal guardian for any minor children or incompetent adults that have been in your custody and care. Having a lawyer draft your Last Will and Testament to include guardianship clauses can protect both children and adults by having the terms set into a document that is legally obligated be upheld in the event of your death.

An Attorney That Specializes in Elder Law Can Guide You Toward Making the Right Decisions

Although wills are commonly used as a directive for financial and health affairs, there could be variations to each document, or use of various other documents, that are employed depending on situational factors. Hiring elder law attorneys to draft these documents is an invaluable service, which ensures clients that their wishes and directives shall be followed in the event that they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves. When it comes to elder law, lawyers have the knowledge and experience to draft the appropriate forms and documents to keep you, your loved ones and your assets secure.