While no one enjoys contemplating medical emergencies or their mortality, giving some thought to these possibilities allows you to protect your family and ensure all wishes are respected. Comprehensive estate planning lets you decide in advance how belongings should be distributed after you’re gone, empower others to act on your behalf, and make medical decisions if you’re unable to communicate. Below is an overview of the most important documents your estate plan should include and why they’re necessary.

Last Will & Testament

Writing a will makes your final wishes about the distribution of assets legally enforceable, even if your family members disagree. Even those with only minimal assets or items of sentimental value should write the document to prevent family conflicts and ensure their instructions are followed.

A Living Will

A living will, sometimes known as an advanced medical directive, allows you to make important decisions about end-of-life care if you’re incapacitated by an illness or accident. In this document, you may leave instructions about the use of life support, describe acceptable outcomes, and deny certain medical procedures.

Durable Powers of Attorney

If you’re unable to manage your affairs, a durable power of attorney gives a trusted individual the legal authority to act on your behalf. The powers contained in these documents can be as specific or as general as you like, and you may delegate separate responsibilities to different parties. For instance, you may give your spouse a medical power of attorney, allowing them to make medical decisions on your behalf, and a financial power of attorney to a business partner.

Ready to begin estate planning? As one of the Shenandoah Valley’s oldest and most respected general practice law firms, PoindexterHill, P.C., is widely respected for their expertise and effective services. They’re known for putting clients first in a broad array of practice areas, including estate planning, and provide the quality legal guidance you need to ensure your legacy and final wishes will be respected. To schedule an appointment, visit the website or call (540) 943-1118 today.