What You Need to Know About Elder Care Law During a Medical Crisis
Understanding Elder Care Law Is Critical in a Medical Crisis
If you’re reading this, congratulations. You survived the COVID-19 Pandemic. One of the most important things we learned because of this world-wide tragedy is that millions of people were caught unprepared for this medical emergency. As a result, some families are still suffering untold hardships.
The truth is we never know when we’re going to need Elder Care Law. Or what’s going to happen at any given moment in our lives.
We think we’re in control, then something comes out of left field. Accidents, sudden illness, strokes, pandemics. As an estate and asset protection attorney, I have people come to me often during a medical crisis. As much as I try to educate people about the importance of planning for the worst sooner rather than later, procrastination is a hard habit to break.
If a medical crisis has not affected the mental capacity of a person, that’s good news.
There are legal tools and steps to take that an experienced elder care law attorney can help you with during a medical emergency.
If your loved one doesn’t have any plan in place, creating an estate plan during an emergency is essential in ensuring that your wishes are honored, and that your loved ones are protected.
First Step: Create A Will
The first step in emergency estate planning is to cover the basics by establishing the following legal tools: creating a will, naming an executor, and designating beneficiaries. Your will outlines how your assets will be distributed and who will take care of your minor children. Naming an executor ensures that someone you trust will oversee the distribution of your estate according to your wishes.
Step Two: Establish Powers of Attorney
Another critical aspect of emergency estate planning is establishing powers of attorney.
There are two main types:
- Financial Power of Attorney: This allows someone you trust to manage your financial and contractual affairs if you become incapacitated.
- Medical Power of Attorney: This allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so.
Step Three: Create an Advance Healthcare Directive
An advance healthcare directive, also known as a Living Will, outlines your preferences for medical treatment in case you are unable to communicate. This document can include your preferences for life-sustaining treatments, pain management, and other critical medical decisions. Having an advance healthcare directive can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones, knowing that your wishes will be respected.
Be Prepared For Any Emergency
Being prepared for worst case scenarios does not mean the worst is going to happen. But being as prepared will provide great peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. I urge any adult 18 and older to create an estate plan. In the best-case scenario, you won’t need it until you’ve had a long, fulfilling life. If you would like to be pro-active and create your estate plan or review and existing one, give my office a call at (470) 235-7868 today.
Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!
