The late, great Benjamin Franklin once said there were only two certainties in life – death and taxes. While Americans all know that taxes are due on or around April 20 of each year, one thing we do not know is when our time will come.
Estate planning and thinking about your future may not be high on your list of priorities. All too often, people get bogged down and distracted with their day to day needs such as work, errands, chores, taking care of family, and when time allows, leisure activities and vacations. The last thing on our minds is thinking about our death.
Unfortunately, an accident can occur to any person at any time, and a serious illness or injury could render you unable to express your wishes or communicate with anyone. This is why it is important to work out your estate planning, trust & probate administration and a living will sooner rather than later. Later may be too late.
Creating a living will may help family members in the event that you are injured or ill to the extent where you cannot communicate. A living will is not an actual will, but rather provides information regarding your health and care if you are incapacitated. It may include how you wish to be treated and whether or not you want to remain on life support in the event that you suffer a catastrophic injury or illness which cannot be cured. To avoid possible disagreements and fights among your family members who may have to guess as to what your wishes would be, having a living will would put everyone’s mind at ease knowing that your wishes will be granted if you find yourself in that situation.
