Planning for the Future in Uncertain Times

By: Tamara Squires, Esq.

The recent pandemic resulting from the global spread of the Coronavirus has caused a lot of uncertainty of what the future will bring. Just a few months ago we welcomed 2020 with hopeful ideas and ambitions for the new year, only to be thrown into a worldwide panic with a resultant order to stay home and only venture out when absolutely necessary. New terms such as “shelter in place” and “social distancing” are the new global norm.

So what can we do in response to this upending of our “normal lives?” In preparing for the unknown, one thing we can control is what happens to our physical bodies if and when we are incapacitated due to an unforeseen illness or accident of some kind. Advance Health Care Directives are a way to convey your wishes as to what measures are to be taken if you reach the point where you can no longer speak for yourself. Decisions include the choice whether to prolong your life or not, your wishes for organ and tissue donation, and authorization for the disclosure of privacy information to named individuals. This is one way to save family members and loved ones the heartache of having to make these tough decisions for you.

Two additional estate planning documents that work in conjunction with an advance health care directive in easing the uncertainty of the future include a will and a durable power of attorney. Depending on the size of your estate, a will is used either solely or in conjunction with a trust to inform your family members and loved ones of your intentions for disposition of your assets. A durable power of attorney gives authority to a designated individual to act on your behalf regarding financial matters, i.e. paying bills. Once again, easing the hearts and minds of everyone involved.

If you don’t have an advance health care directive, will or durable power of attorney, or are interested in setting up a complete estate plan, please contact the offices of Hyatt McIntire & Associates. We can help ensure you have a well thought out and complete plan for anything the future may have in store.

Hyatt McIntire & Associates
950 Tharp Road, Suite 701, Yuba City
(530) 674-9761
www.hm1law.com