If you just found out that you’re living with a terminal illness, you may begin to focus on how you can protect yourself, your assets and your family. You want to be sure that you are protected and that someone you trust can make financial and medical decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself.
You just want to make sure that you and everything you care about is in good hands.
Estate planning when you have a terminal illness means that time is of the essence. While your illness may not be severe now, it could worsen over time and make it so you can no longer make legal decisions for yourself. That’s why planning now is so important.
What do you need to address in your estate plan?
In your estate plan, you need to address several different topics including:
- Who will care for your minor children (if you have them).
- What will happen with your pets.
- Who will make financial decisions for you.
- Who will make medical decisions on your behalf.
- Planning for the end of your life.
All of these topics can be handled in your estate plan. While it might seem like this is an overwhelming amount of work, your attorney can help guide you through the process and make sure that your wishes are known and binding.
Early planning helps put your mind at ease knowing that you and those you love will be taken care of. Starting now will make sure you are in control and stay in control as your illness progresses.