Don't Forget About Yourself

         Estate Planning is not just about protecting your beneficiaries when you pass away; it’s also about protecting yourself while you are alive.  Even though most people’s first thought is that they need to get a Will, a good estate plan includes a Durable Power of Attorney and healthcare documents as well. 

          A Durable Power of Attorney is a document that allows someone to handle your finances and legal affairs when you are either unable to or just want help in doing so.  Your Designation of Health Care Surrogate states the person(s) you want to make healthcare decisions when you are unable to do so.  A Living Will states your preferences regarding when you are only being kept alive by feeding tubes and have no chance of recovery. 

          If you do not have these documents in place, please see your favorite estate planning attorney to protect yourself.