When it comes to your future, how protected do you feel right now? Did you celebrate Independence Day knowing that you and your family are protected against uncertainty, no matter what the future holds? What worries you?
How do you get the peace of mind you want? Comprehensive Wisconsin estate planning with a law firm that not only plans for right now but well into your future. Don’t wait to create the estate planning you need to make sure you and your family are protected in any scenario, including incapacity or death.
Specifically, when it comes to incapacity, you want to have created Wisconsin advanced directives that name an agent to act for you if you are incapable of doing so. Advanced directives, such as the durable power of attorney, give the legal authority to act to the person you want to make your decisions as you would have when the times comes.
Advanced directives are a part of a comprehensive estate plan. The purpose of advance directives is to let other people know what your wishes are and give the person you name as your agent the authority to act for you when you cannot. Without these decisions made through legal documents, in the event of your incapacity, your loved ones may have to go to court to have a decision maker appointed for you. This court process can be costly, time-consuming and stressful during an already difficult period. If your loved ones know now what you desire it will greatly help them make decisions for you in strenuous times and remove unwanted stress from your family.
You want to not only provide legal and financial decision making power, but health care decision making authority as well. Through your health care estate planning documents, you can authorize a person now who understands your wishes regarding your health care treatment and give him or her the authority to speak on your behalf when the time comes. If your doctors have a better knowledge of your medical history, which your surrogate will have the authority to share, they can make the wisest decisions for you and your health. Your medical team will have the added benefit of being able to speak to someone who knows your history as well as your wishes.
Do not leave July without the creation of these important estate planning documents checked off of your “to do” list. These planning tools enable family and friends to know what your needs, desires and wishes are if you become incapacitated. Now, while your health is good, is the time to create your advanced directives.
At the Hougum Law Firm, we know and understand the challenges you face and we want to help you plan ahead to protect yourself and those you love most. Call us at 715-843-5001 or contact us to schedule an appointment with Attorney Alan Hougum.
