A few weeks ago I met with a couple regarding their estate plan. The husband was set in his ways, maybe even a little stubborn. He proudly stated that he did not need an estate plan. “Why do I care; I won’t be here?”
At first I was not sure if he was serious or if he was pulling my leg. It did not take me long before I could see that he was serious. He seemed only to have attended the meeting to appease his wife. I asked him if he cared about his wife, to which he quickly responded, “Of course I do!”
I then asked him if he had ever considered what would happen to her and what she would have to go through when he died or if he became incapacitated. He had not. I explained to him that creating an estate plan is usually designed to help others rather than yourself.
He had never even thought of what might happen to his wife. I shared with him some of the stories of clients who had prepared and other clients who had not. The physical and emotional toll that failure to plan takes on a spouse or family members are huge.
Many of the difficult obstacles that families in these situations face today can be mitigated by the creation of a Living Trust and updated Health Care Documents (Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, Mental Health Care Power of Attorney & HIPPA disclosure form).
Not every estate plan needs to be complex, but everybody needs a plan. A good plan can provide for and protect your spouse in the event that something were to happen to you. Remember, a good estate plan is not for you, but is for them. This is why we say, “If you have a family, you have a reason.”
There are many ways to show your spouse or partner your love.
Contributed by MH Arrowhead and Cave Creek Estate Planning Attorney West Hunsaker
Why Choose Morris Hall:
You have a number of options when it comes to estate planning, so why pick Morris Hall? First off, estate planning and asset protection are a very complicated endeavor and you should only trust someone who focuses exclusively on those matters. Also, MH is a proud member of The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) which provides us additional support, advanced training, tools and information that is not available to others – which means that we can better protect your assets and your loved ones. We are one of only two firms in Arizona that belong to the AAEPA and are the only firm in that has been granted membership. If you have assets and loved ones that you want to protect, you are in good hands with MH. Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment!
This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.
This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.
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