Interest in a will and other end-of-life planning documents boomed during coverage of Terri Schiavo’s case, but the interest didn’t always lead to action. It’s not that people laugh at the importance of preparing for the unexpected; they blame procrastination and laziness.
DO YOU HAVE A LAST TESTAMENT AND A TESTAMENT?
Of the six randomly selected people interviewed, none had a living will and only one had a will, though all said they believed the documents are essential. All said they believe proper tax planning in wills can save one’s heirs some estate taxes.
ESTATE PLANNING BEGINS WITH A LAST TESTAMENT
People believe in the importance of estate planning because of dependents and not wanting to be tied to a machine at the end of their lives. But while some call lawyers or buy wills, not all people get around to signing them.
Only one person interviewed had completed estate planning documents. With a power of attorney, which appoints a friend or family member to manage your finances if you become incapacitated, you can also have a power of attorney. A health care power of attorney is the same as a power of attorney, except that it applies to medical conditions rather than financial ones.
People trying to think of what you would like can lead to big fights and family quarrels. There should be no questions about what you wanted.
Will and Will Considerations
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