Make Estate Planning a Part of Your New Year’s Resolutions

It’s unbelievable, but 2019 is almost over. As we approach the new year, it’s time to start thinking about new year’s resolutions.  This year it’s time to make estate planning a part of your new year’s resolutions.

Like most people, you’ve probably been putting off your estate planning. It can seem too confusing, too expensive, too unnecessary, too inconvenient. The list goes on and on for why we put off this important task.

Estate planning does not have to be difficult or overwhelming.

And not planning is usually way more expensive than completing a few simple documents. I’m thinking about the wife who had to file for conservatorship for her husband who could not make any financial decisions after a major stroke and the family still in probate court trying to settle an estate after 3 years because their dad left them no instructions.

Creating an estate plan can be as simple as completing three simple documents.

A Georgia Advance Directive for Healthcare allows you to name someone to make your healthcare decisions for you if you ever are unable (or unwilling) to make them yourself. The advance directive also includes a place for you to express your treatment preferences. This document can be downloaded here. And you can find more information here.

 A General Durable Power of Attorney allows you to name someone to be your financial agent. This agent can be given the authority to step into your shoes on your behalf and make all of your financial decisions, such as pay your bills, access your accounts, handle your retirement funds, plan for your future healthcare expenses, apply for public benefits, handle property transactions, etc. Someone should be named to handle your affairs for you if you are ever incapacitated. You can find more information here

A will is a way to say what you want to happen with your assets after you die.  This document names an executor to handle your estate, gives instructions for how your estate should be distributed, and names someone to be the guardian of your minor dependents. You can find more information about wills here.

Estate planning is an important and doable New Year’s Resolution.

Getting this done will help you rest easier. Your actions today will help protect your interests and wishes as well as your family. You can start your estate plan with Hurley Elder Care Law today by contacting our office at (404) 843-0121 or through our online contact form  for a complimentary phone consultation.