Indianapolis Estate Planning Attorney
Many people think they do not need to do estate planning if they are young and do not have a lot of property. However, estate planning is about more than protecting your property — it is also about protecting your family.
A basic will can tell the probate court how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. However, there are other estate planning documents such as powers of attorney and living wills that can be very important to your family if you are incapacitated by a stroke, a serious car accident or other unexpected event.
You may assume that your spouse or relatives would be able to make decisions for you if you could not speak for yourself. However, that is not always the case. Without a power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship, your loved ones might not have the legal authority to make health care or financial decisions for you.
Estate Planning and Guardianship Documents
- Last will and testament. If you have children, your will can name a guardian for your children if you and your spouse should die. A will can also contain a trust provision for property your children inherit.
- Powers of attorney. Health care and financial powers of attorney allow you to designate someone to make medical and financial decisions for you if you are incapacitated.
- Guardianship. If you need to take care of a parent with Alzheimer's or senile dementia and he or she did not complete a power of attorney, you will need to be appointed your parent's guardian to have the legal authority to take care of him or her. Parents of a disabled child also need to be appointed their child's guardian once the child reaches age 18.
- Living will. If you have reached the end of your life and are in a vegetative state, you would not want your family members to argue over what care you should receive. A living will allows you to tell your family members and doctors in advance whether you want feeding tubes or other artificial life support. The living will also allows you to name a health care representative to carry out your decisions.
Attorney Vanessa López
Free Attorney Consultation
To discuss your estate planning needs with lawyer Vanessa López, call 317-644-6261 (español: 317-715-1847) or fill out our simple contact form. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Hablamos español.
