tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688421745511963931.post3518131989635622943..comments2023-10-16T12:29:11.375-04:00Comments on People I Meet: Are You Prepared?Michael Whitehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11965091654398554021noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1688421745511963931.post-86225341118079819392010-06-08T20:52:47.073-04:002010-06-08T20:52:47.073-04:00Great post! I used to work in Elder Law and saw (...Great post! I used to work in Elder Law and saw (and prepared) a lot of these simple yet very effective documents. Younger clients would get a Springing Durable Power of Attorney, which required a doctor to sign to indicate that the person was incapacitated. Older clients would go with a standard Durable Power of Attorney. We also did Living Wills. Even though they're not legal documents in Massachusetts, clients felt more comfortable having them to ease their loved ones' guilt if they needed to end life-saving measures.<br /><br />I can't even begin to stress how important it is to have a will, especially with children! One thing you can also do in your will is provide for your pets. In Massachusetts, pets are considered personal property, like furniture, but you can set up "pet trusts" to give someone money for caring for your pet if something happens to you. Like with naming guardians for your children, it's always a good idea to ask that person before you name him or her in your will.<br /><br />When it comes to any legal document, it's always best to have it prepared by a lawyer to make sure it meets legal requirements for your jurisdiction.<br /><br />None of this is legal advice, either. :)Christine Parizohttp://www.christineparizo.comnoreply@blogger.com