Most people have worried about what would happen if they became seriously ill and were unable to deal with your own matters. Who would handle these important matters? The financial matters? The medical decisions? Preparing a few simple documents can put to rest all of these concerns. Having a Living Will, a Durable Power of Attorney, and Medical Durable Power of Attorney, in addition to a Will, combine to form a powerful set of documents that protect and provide for the future. Below is a brief description of each. If you would like David A. Pernick. to draft these documents for you and your family, please contact Mr. Pernick

Living Will
This is a legal document in which you state what medical treatment you want offered and what you want withheld. It is called a Living Will because it takes effect while you are still living. In the event you should suffer an irreversible coma or face “imminent death” from a terminal illness, the Living Will allows you to speak now, in preparation for a time when you will be unable to speak for yourself. This, when done with a Medical Durable Power of Attorney, will ensure that your “best interests” are carried out.

Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney is a document that when properly executed will allow an agent to act on your behalf. A Durable Power of Attorney for finances is a simple and reliable way to arrange for someone that you trust to make your financial decisions should you become unable to do so yourself. It’s also an essential thing to do for your family and loved ones. If you become incapacitated, the Durable Power of Attorney will likely seem like a brilliant idea to your loved ones.

If you do not have a Durable Power of Attorney, a court proceeding will be required to give your loved ones authority over your financial affairs. This can be an expensive and public process. Many married couples think that they do not need such a document because everything is in both names. The truth is that your spouse has limits on his/her ability to deal with affairs, particularly on the selling of property owned by both of you.

Medical Durable Power of Attorney or Healthcare Proxy
This document allows you to appoint someone to ensure that health care providers give you the medical care you want and withhold the care you do not want. This document is a signed, dated and witnessed document authorizing another person to make your medical decisions if you are incapacitated and unable to do so yourself.

Will
When someone dies, someone has to take care of all pending matters, such paying bills and making final arrangements. A will not only handles these matters, but also allows you to distribute your assets and personal belongings to whomever you choose.

Without a properly executed Will, state law will determine what happens to your assets as well as who will care for your children.

Please contact Mr. Pernick to begin the process of creating you a Will that will serve your current and future needs.

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Last modified: August 27, 2004