Experienced estate planning attorney

"Nothing is certain except death and taxes." ~ Benjamin Franklin.

While we cannot predict when and how the inevitable strikes, we are fortunately able to control what can happen to our assets after we die.  A will is a written declaration about how someone's assets will be divided after they die. This can include bank accounts, investments, property (such as houses, vehicles, personal effects, collectibles, etc.), businesses, and even pets. One also should not overlook debts, as the debts can be incredibly important to sort out later. If you or a loved one have a spouse or children, it is critical to have will. Otherwise, your heirs could be drug through a long and costly legal battle in court which can go on for years and cost thousands of dollars in legal fees. No to mention, the eventual disposition will be left up to the court. A will can prevent all of that and give you the final say on what will happen to your assets and property.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted person like an adult child or close friend to make decisions for you in the event of your mental or physical inability. Your "agent" can handle your financial and business decisions and health care choices on your behalf. At George Hansen Law, our clients often designate a Power of Attorney to be able to do the following:

• Pay bills: Appointing a trusted agent to make sure bills get paid and medical preferences are followed if you cannot act on your own.
• Facilitate transactions: Your Power of Attorney can handle real estate, banking, or business responsibilities for you when you are unavailable or recovering.
• Minimize family stress: Clear instructions help prevent confusion or tension among loved ones when important decisions need to be made.

A durable Power of Attorney remains effective if you should become incapacitated, while a Limited Power of Attorney covers only specific decisions or periods. While there are DIY options these days, working with an experienced estate planning attorney increases the likelihood that your agent’s authority will be honored without delay if you should become incapacitated.

A Health Care Directive is an important document that works in tandom with the Power of Attorney to help one communicate end-of-life care instructions when they themselves are no longer able to do so. This could include:

• Refusing medical care
• Removing life support in the event of a terminal condition
• Instructions to use all efforts to sustain life, no matter the circumstances
• Specifying a time period to remain on life support or to withdraw it
• Religious considerations such as refusal of blood products or transfusions.

The son of local grape and cherry farmers, attorney George T. Hansen can help you sort through the wide array of issues that can impact how farm assets and real estate issues are handled in estates of farm families. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.