Estate Planning

Peace of mind is one of the main goals when thinking about estate planning documents. It is very important to have a will and trust, financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney, and living will. At the Law Offices of Debra G. Speyer, we would be pleased to prepare these documents for you.

The importance of a living will

Dina R. had a friend who had often said that she would not want extraordinary measures taken in the event she was no longer able to make decisions for herself, but she never executed a living will. That friend spent months with a feeding tube and other life support measures she never would have wanted. Dina wanted to make sure that her decision-making was not put in the hands of others. Debra prepared a living will for Dina, a health care and financial power of attorney, and a will. Dina now had the peace of mind knowing that she had autonomy over her decision-making.

Financial Power of Attorney: A financial power of attorney authorizes another person to handle your financial matters. It can either take effect immediately or when one is no longer able to take care of their financial matters.

Living Will: A living will is also known as an advanced health care directive. It is a document that directs your doctors and others as to any life support treatments you do not wish in the event you are unconscious or in a terminal state.

Health Care Power of Attorney: A health care power of attorney authorizes another person to handle your health care matters in the event you are unable to make them for yourself.

Will: A will is a legal document that only takes affect upon your death. It directs how you want your assets divided. A will can be rewritten as often as you want. Wills can be very simple or very complex depending on your requirements. Even a person with very limited assets should have a will.

Trusts: There are also a variety of trusts available with various goals depending on your needs. Some of these trusts include special need trusts that deal with disabled family members, trusts for assets for minors, trusts for second spouses, and trust that are used for tax planning.

Helping you with your estate plan

The Law Offices of Debra G. Speyer understand the importance of a solid estate plan. Contact us to find out how an experienced estate-planning attorney can help you.