The Biggest Mistake in
invaluable in the unfortunate but not uncommon event that the maker becomes incapacitated before death. A complete estate plan will include powers of attorney, living wills, and health care proxies. Designating a power of attorney will allow a trusted agent to act on your behalf with regard to financial decisions in the event that you are unable to yourself. Health care proxies work similarly, but for medical rather than financial matters. A living will allows the maker to specify what medical treatments they would or would not want to have, such as whether they want to be kept on life-support, receive hydration or be fed through a feeding tube, and whether they want to be an organ donor. All of these documents are crucial components of a comprehensive estate plan. Luckily, an estate plan isn’t set in stone and can always be altered. If your plan is lacking any of these essential measures, call our office today to find out how we can help you set up a plan that gives you peace of mind and protection no matter what the future holds. Estate Planning THINKING A WILL IS ENOUGH
There are many misconceptions surrounding estate planning. Some people think that estate planning is only for the mega- wealthy. Others assume that you don’t need to think about estate planning until you’re well into your golden years. While both of these assumptions are false, easily the biggest falsehood about estate planning is that all you need is a will. A will, more accurately called a “last will and testament,” is the foundational document of every estate plan. It allocates assets and is the legal vehicle through which parents can designate the legal guardians for their minor children. Without a valid will, the court will have the power to decide who raises your children. In some cases, that may even result in minors being placed in the foster care system.
But a will is not enough.
Your will goes into effect upon your death and provides for how you wish your probate assets to be distributed at that time. But there are other documents in a comprehensive estate plan that are
LATE-SUMMER PANZANELLA MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
take a break
INGREDIENTS
• 1 small loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups) • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 large tomatoes, cubed • 2 red bell peppers, seeded and cubed • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced • 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds • 20 basil leaves, chopped
• Salt, to taste • Vinaigrette
DIRECTIONS
1. Place a large sauté pan over medium-low heat and add olive oil. Add bread and 1 teaspoon salt, and toss often for 10 minutes or until toasted. 2. In a large bowl, mix vegetables and herbs. Toss in bread and your favorite vinaigrette and mix again. 3. Serve immediately or let sit 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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