Hurricane season can impact anyone, and disasters can strike at any time. That is why if you live in an area prone to storms, it is important to prepare not only your home for these disasters but also other critical aspects of your life, such as your estate plan. Although we cannot predict when or if a tragedy or setback will happen, the best course of action is to be prepared. In the blog post below, we will review some documents you should consider when preparing for the worst.
The Documents You Should Have
An estate plan will typically contain several types of documents that can help you in case of an emergency, including the following:
Durable Power of Attorney
A Louisiana durable power of attorney allows an individual to appoint a representative to act on their behalf by representing their best interests in financial-related matters. Moreover, if the document’s creator becomes incapacitated and cannot make decisions for themselves, the form will remain in effect.
This document is important in emergencies because if something should happen to you, it will provide instructions on how to deal with your medical care and finances and name the people who will carry out these instructions.
A Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament will indicate how your assets and property will be distributed after you pass away. When well-drafted, this document clearly establishes your final wishes, indicates who you want to care for, protects your assets, simplifies the process of dividing up your estate for your family, and reduces tension amongst your loved ones.
Guardian Designation
If you have minor children, setting up a guardian designation is important. These plans can help ensure your children are cared for, and their inheritance is properly managed until they are of age.
Keeping Your Documents Safe
Once you have created an estate plan, it is vital to store these documents with other critical documents (insurance paperwork, birth certificates, property deeds, passports, marriage certificates, car titles, tax records, and banking information) in a fireproof safe, preferably in a waterproof container. Making copies and scanning the documents to your hard drive for added security is also recommended.
Contact Losavio & DeJean, LLC To Learn More About Estate Plans and Being Prepared
Disasters can strike at any moment, and during times of crisis, the last thing you want to be worrying about is paperwork and estate documents. To give yourself peace of mind, it is important to create an estate plan if you have not done so already. Unfortunately, many people tend to put off estate planning, which can lead to incomplete or inadequate planning. To avoid this situation, it is advisable to take estate planning seriously and discuss your wishes with an experienced estate planning professional as soon as possible.
If you are looking to create your own estate plan or want further information about our legal team and the services we offer, contact Losavio & DeJean, LLC today and let our team get you the information you need.