No Time Like the Present
Many people don't plan their estate because they're uncomfortable thinking about their own death. A few simple documents (Wills, Powers of Atorney, and Living Wills) can make your death or incapacitation much easier on your loved ones, and possibly yourself.
Having an estate plan means more than having a Will. You'll need documents that convey your wishes if you become unable to do so yourself.
Powers of Attorney
A Medical Power of Attorney lets you pick someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you. If you're unable to relate your wishes yourself, you can be left with the decisions of doctors or a judge.
A Durable Power of Attorney lets someone you trust make day to day decisions if you can't make them for yourself. This means that they can access bank accounts, sell property and pay bills on your behalf.
Without these documents it might fall to a court to decide who will make decisions for you. For married people this person is normally the spouse, but if parents or children disagree about your wishes, legal action may determine the outcome. For single people, it's even more important to have Powers of Attorney because a boyfriend or girlfriend is not allowed to make decisions without one. It often isn't clear who should be making the decisions when you are unable to.
Living Wills
Living Wills are simple, but very important. If you are in terminal condition and unable to communicate your wishes, Living Wills tell doctors if you want to be placed on life support. Deciding this in advance, and making your wishes known in Living Wills ensure that they will be carried out. It also means that you won't burden your friends or family with the decision to end your life.
Wills
Wills define people wish for their assets to be distributed after their death. Without a Will, there are laws defining exactly how to distribute the property. This is often not how people wish for their property to be distributed. Wills are also very important if you have children because they can state who should care for your children if both parents are deceased. They can also define a trust to provide for their needs in the future.
Easy, Convenient, Affordable
Planning your estate doesn't have to be expensive and time consuming. AffordableTexasWills.com makes it quick, easy and affordable to create Wills and Powers of Attorney. You answer a short series of questions from the comfort of your own home, whenever you like. A lawyer will create professional documents for you and return them quickly to ensure you and your loved ones have the necessary documents to cover you now and in the future.