Estate Planning: Beyond the Will

Learn what legal documents you should have and why talking with an attorney is a good idea.

While it might not always be easy, it is always a good time to start thinking about your final plans. Lots of people mistakenly believe that the only document they need is a will. Rawls Legal actually recommends having an attorney prepare a few other important legal documents at the same time you're having a will drafted. Keep reading to find out more!

Durable Power of Attorney

The Durable Power of Attorney is an important legal document that allows a person to appoint a financial agent to act in their stead if they are ever incapacitated. For most people, this agent is a spouse or child or other close relative or friend. It's important to also appoint an alternate agent in the event your primary agent is unable to act as your agent. At Rawls Legal, this document is available as part of the Estate Planning Package or by itself.

Medical Power of Attorney

Like the Durable Power of Attorney, the Medical Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows a person to appoint a financial agent to act in their stead should that person ever be unable to make medical decisions on their own. Most people choose the same agent from their Durable Power of Attorney, but it isn't required. What's most important is choosing people you trust to act as your medical agent and alternate. The Medical Power of Attorney comes standard with the Estate Planning Package or is available by itself at Rawls Legal.

Advance Directive

An Advance Directive is a legal document that allows a person to inform medical professionals of their wishes should the person ever be in a terminal or irreversible condition from which a medical professional has concluded will result in death. This document is important because it allows you to make your wishes known regarding this sensitive matter and takes away the possibility of a family member having to make this difficult decision for you. Rawls Legal offers this document as part of the Estate Planning Package or by itself.

Last Will and Testament

The Last Will and Testament of a person acts as their last word on how they wish for their estate to be distributed. A person's estate is the property a person leaves behind. Besides distributing both real and personal property, the will also appoints an executor or executrix that ensures your final wishes are carried out. Not having a will triggers inetestancy laws which may leave your loved ones left out from inheriting what you intended. Talk with Rawls Legal about their Estate Planning Package that includes the Last Will and Testament.

Having an attorney prepare these documents ensures they are drafted correctly and that you get all of your questions answered. In addition to the documents listed above, some Rawls Legal clients have concerns about their homes falling into the hands of the State instead of their loved ones. A simple workaround is having an attorney draft and record a Transfer on Death Deed, another document Rawls Legal can prepare for clients.

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This page was created for informational purposes and should not be considered or relied upon as legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have specific legal questions.