Make Your Wishes Known
We all know that we need to plan for the day when we can no longer make our own decisions, or are no longer here. This is not an easy task to undertake as nobody wants to think about what is inevitable. Unfortunately too many of us either wait until we are in our senior years to do this, or don't do it at all.
The truth is, once we start thinking about having a family, that is the time to put our affairs in order. We certainly know what we would want done for our children if we were no longer there to care for them. We also are aware of the uncertainty that is created if nothing has been put in place.
I have seen on more than one occasion the chaos that ensues if a loved one passes away without a Will, or with an outdated one. Children or siblings can end up arguing over a parents estate to the point where they no longer speak. No doubt many of you have seen the same thing, or even worse, been a part of this type of situation.
I have been thinking about this subject recently because the only Will I have in place was done many years ago prior to traveling overseas. Like many others there have been good intentions to review and update, but for some reason we procrastinate on this particular task. I applaud those who are disciplined and have put everything in place.
None of us wants to create a situation that will tear a family apart. Take the time now to prepare your Will, Durable Power of Attorney and Advanced Directive for Health Care. Think long and hard before deciding who you want to make financial decisions if you can't, and who you would want to make medical decisions, or make sure your wishes are upheld, if you are unable to. Ensure that your choice for Executor of your Will can, and will, carry out your wishes. Before naming someone for any of these positions, talk with them and see if they want this responsibility.
And last, but not least, sit down and talk to your family. Let them know what your wishes are, and who has been appointed to carry them out. Nobody should be shocked or confused when the day comes that you cannot make your own decisions, or when you are no longer here.
Taking a little time now can save our loved ones pain and heartache later.
The truth is, once we start thinking about having a family, that is the time to put our affairs in order. We certainly know what we would want done for our children if we were no longer there to care for them. We also are aware of the uncertainty that is created if nothing has been put in place.
I have seen on more than one occasion the chaos that ensues if a loved one passes away without a Will, or with an outdated one. Children or siblings can end up arguing over a parents estate to the point where they no longer speak. No doubt many of you have seen the same thing, or even worse, been a part of this type of situation.
I have been thinking about this subject recently because the only Will I have in place was done many years ago prior to traveling overseas. Like many others there have been good intentions to review and update, but for some reason we procrastinate on this particular task. I applaud those who are disciplined and have put everything in place.
None of us wants to create a situation that will tear a family apart. Take the time now to prepare your Will, Durable Power of Attorney and Advanced Directive for Health Care. Think long and hard before deciding who you want to make financial decisions if you can't, and who you would want to make medical decisions, or make sure your wishes are upheld, if you are unable to. Ensure that your choice for Executor of your Will can, and will, carry out your wishes. Before naming someone for any of these positions, talk with them and see if they want this responsibility.
And last, but not least, sit down and talk to your family. Let them know what your wishes are, and who has been appointed to carry them out. Nobody should be shocked or confused when the day comes that you cannot make your own decisions, or when you are no longer here.
Taking a little time now can save our loved ones pain and heartache later.
Comments
Post a Comment