But it can happen to any of us — and it can occur at any time. If you’re suddenly unable to care for yourself or make financial decisions, what happens?
PLANNING FOR INCAPACITY
Living Will
A living will spells out your wishes for end-of-life care if you can’t speak for yourself. Accidents and illness can strike at any age, and this document helps your loved ones and doctors honor your values without guessing.
Advance Health Care Directives
These directives go beyond a single situation — they give guidance on a wide range of medical decisions. Planning now means your voice is heard, even if you’re unconscious or unable to communicate.
Property Powers of Attorney
This document allows someone you trust to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. Whether you’re 30 or 70, life can throw the unexpected your way. This tool keeps your “trains” running on time.
Health Care Powers of Attorney
Medical emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and at any age. If you are ever unable to communicate your wishes to doctors or nurses, this tool ensures that someone you trust will be legally able to act on your behalf.
Guardianships/Conservatorships
A guardian may be responsible for financial matters, medical decisions, or both, depending on the situation. Permanent guardianship requires going to court, but you can okay temporary guardians ahead of time.
What You Should Know about Guardianship
Also known as Conservatorship, this is a process that names an individual or entity to manage the affairs of someone who has become incapacitated. It may also include the duty to care for the incapacitated person themselves.
Guardianship can be requested by an incapacitated individual or another who believes they need care. The reverse is also true — if someone does not believe they need a guardian, or that the individual petitioning to be guardian isn’t a good fit, they can argue against guardianship.
Decisions about guardianship are ultimately made by the court.
Step 1
Schedule a Free Consultation
Reach out and set up a time for us to talk with each other. We won’t know if it feels like a fit until we get to talk.
Step 2
Collaborate on an Estate Plan
Our team learns about you and your unique needs so we can work with each other to help you design your ideal plan.
Step 3
You Are Set Up for the Future
We’re committed to making sure you understand and feel confident in whatever plans we help you to create.
