A Troy, MI living will lawyer can help you prepare a roadmap for your family, and even if you’re no longer able to support your loved ones, they’ll be able to support you. At Gudeman & Associates, P.C., we have over 100 years of combined legal experience, and we help our clients with everything from bankruptcy to probate and estate planning. Now, it’s our turn to help you.
But what does a living will do, and why should you create one? And more importantly, do you really need a lawyer to walk you through the process? Let’s take a look at what makes a living will so important.
Wills Vs. Living Wills
You may already know what a will is, but here’s a refresher: your will contains a list of instructions for your loved ones. This includes all of your assets (physical property, investments, etc.), as well as provisions for who gets these assets after your death. Pretty straightforward.
The key difference between a will and a living will is when the document comes into play. With a regular will, these instructions are only provided and followed after your death. But with a living will, these instructions are provided if you’re still alive, but otherwise incapable of handling your own legal and financial affairs.
To sum it up: Both wills and living wills include a list of your belongings, and instructions for who should get your belongings and manage your estate. But living wills take effect if you’re still alive – hence, the “living” part.
Why Should I Get A Living Will?
Granted, it isn’t the most cheerful subject – but if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s or other debilitating mental diseases, a living will can make all the difference. If for whatever reason you’re unable to manage your own affairs, your living will provides valuable instructions for all of your loved ones.
It’s not just about genetics, either. If there’s ever a serious accident that leaves you incapacitated, having a living will makes the next steps much easier for your family. After all, there’s much less room for debate when you’ve left clear instructions about your final wishes.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer?
Just like wills, living wills require a trained eye. Your Troy living will lawyer can walk you through the whole process of drafting your living will, and can also keep you informed about any issues that may arise when you’re no longer able to deal with your own legal and financial affairs. For example, do you have any family members who are depending on you for their wellbeing? Do you need to establish guardianship for your children, elderly parents, or disabled family members?
These are all questions that must be accounted for, and without a lawyer, it’ll be difficult to plan for the worst. Fortunately, with the right legal support, you can make sure your family is supported even when you’re no longer able to do so yourself.
Contact Gudeman & Associates, P.C. Today
At Gudeman & Associates, P.C., we understand that living wills require objective legal input. We also understand that when you’re planning your estate, you’re trying to secure the best future possible for your loved ones. We’re ready to help. Contact Gudeman & Associates, P.C. today, and see what a Troy living will lawyer from our office can do for you.
