Can You Answer These 5 Questions About Your Family’s Protection?

If you have children - whether they’re toddlers or adults in college - these five questions determine whether your family is protected or exposed. Most parents I meet can’t answer all five. After reading this, you will know exactly what’s missing.

Without a valid guardian designation in a legal document, the question of who raises your children gets answered by a family court judge who does not know your children, your values, or your family dynamics. The judge will make a reasonable decision. It may not be yours. And that’s just question one. Most parents I speak with cannot answer all five; and each unanswered question is a gap where the system steps in and decides for your family.

Work through all five questions; then build the legal structure that locks every answer in.

• If you and your partner both died tonight, who would raise your children? A guardian designation - included in every pan at IS Law Firm - puts that decision in your hands. It names a primary guardian and a backup, and it is legally binding.

• Who has your Power of Attorney? A Durable Power of Attorney grants a trusted person the legal authority to manage your financial matters if you are ever incapacitated. Without one, even your spouse may need a court order to access your individual accounts or manage your assets. This is not a document for old age. Accidents, illness, and emergencies happen at every age.

• Have you named a Healthcare Surrogate? A Healthcare Surrogate Designation gives someone you trust the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot. Without it, hospital staff follow protocol; and your family may be locked out of the room during the most critical moments.

• Does your family know where your documents are? I have spoken to families who were given a Will after a loved one passed; but could not locate the Trust documents, the insurance policies, or the account information. A complete estate plan includes a document summary and an instructions letter that tells your family exactly where to find everything and what to do.

• Is your home titled in a Trust, or still in your name? If your home is in your name alone when you die, it goes through probate regardless of what your Will says. Retitling your home into a Revocable Living Trust takes it out of the probate estate entirely. This single step can save your family a year of court proceedings and tens of thousands of dollars.

Stop guessing whether your family is protected. These five questions have clear, legal answers. Know which ones you have; and build the plan that fills every gap.

Ready to answer all five questions with confidence?

Book a Consultation! Stop the Delay!

Amanda Lee

Estate Legacy Attorney

Consultations - I.S. Law Firm

P.: (703) 527-1779

E.: law@islawfirm.com

W.: islawfirm.com