Quality. Service. Results.

Choosing the right people to make decisions for you

On Behalf of | Sep 28, 2019 | Firm News

When drafting an estate plan in Sun City, you may have some tough decisions to make. Aside from how you want your property split upon your death, you need to decide on the people you want left in charge.

Some of the documents in your estate plan have to do with decisions made toward the end of your life. Power of attorney documents place someone else in charge to make decisions for you when you cannot. Explore some tips for choosing who is best to take care of your needs during this critical time.

Healthcare needs

A healthcare proxy or power of attorney designates the person you want to make decisions regarding your medical care. The document triggers when you become incapacitated. This does not only have to occur when you are fatally ill or dying. It may also come into play when you have surgery, in case an unexpected issue crops up while you are under anesthesia.

Your quest to find someone willing to carry out these decisions should revolve around those closest to you. This does not mean you automatically need to designate someone, like a spouse of adult cousin. This can include a close friend or someone you know who has the mental and emotional ability to carry through with difficult decisions.

Financial needs

Along with a healthcare power of attorney, your attorney may suggest that you create a financial document. Like the healthcare proxy, it puts someone of your choosing in charge of your finances during those times when you cannot. When choosing someone to carry these decisions out, you want to focus on a person who takes great care with moving assets, paying bills and handling any other financial issue that crops up.

Along with end-of-life decisions for money and health, you need to choose someone to take charge of your estate and administer it through the probate process. An estate planning attorney can help you whittle down candidates for these positions.