As a lawyer in Cornwall and area who prepares Powers of Attorney for Personal Care documents, I know full-well the ramifications of not planning ahead for an unexpected disability. Even those clients who understand the importance of estate planning tend to overlook what would happen if they should become unable to care for themselves. It’s not the happiest thoughts, but the reality of not having a Power of Attorney for Personal Care can make the situation considerably worse for both you and your family.
A major disability can be devastating to an entire family, both emotionally and financially. Pre-planning for the possibility can reduce some of the heartaches that often accompanies these situations.
Medical Concerns
You may assume that your spouse would simply make decisions for you if and when a major problem takes place. Ask yourself, if he or she really wants to be responsible for some of those decisions. For example, if you were in a coma, how would your spouse react to making the choice of whether or not to stop life support? Even if your loved ones know your wishes, simply having them in a formal document can remove a considerable burden and amount of potential guilt.
A lawyer who prepares Powers of Attorney for Personal Care can help you to draw up these documents so that your family does not have to make these choices. The lawyer can also assist by offering insight into situations you likely wouldn’t have considered. Are you opposed to a blood transfusion? Are you adamantly against ending life support? What needs to happen if you become mentally disabled? Who should be given power of attorney over your other health-related issues generally?
Financial Concerns
Having a major illness or injury is very expensive and can keep you from working during and after hospitalization. Your lawyer will also advise you on what needs to happen financially if you are unable to take care of your own needs. For example, you will need a Power of Attorney for Property, as well as to determine how long-term care will be paid for. Will you need to sell your house? Will you be eligible for disability insurance? These are all questions that the lawyer will go over with you.
There are plenty of other considerations that need to be addressed by a lawyer. From what will happen to your children to where you might end up in nursing care, there are choices that need to be made. Planning in advance with your lawyer in Cornwall and area will ensure that your wishes are being followed if the time should come.
If you are ready to get started in creating a plan that will protect you and your family should incapacity or disability occur, give our office a call at 613-933-7720 and ask to schedule a Peace of Mind Planning Session. These sessions are normally $500, but you can come in free with the mention of this article. However, these sessions are limited to 10 per month so call today!
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Michele R.J. Allinotte is the owner of Allinotte Law Office Professional Corporation in Cornwall, Ontario and she helps her clients make the best decisions for themselves, their families and their businesses. Her practice focuses on the areas of business law, estate planning and real estate. Visit www.YourCornwallLawyer.com to get her FREE Peace of Mind Personal Inventory to make sure that your family has all the information they need.