Are you considering a Do-It-Yourself Estate Plan but worried about its validity? Estate planning is a complex area of law that involves crucial decisions about your healthcare, children’s care, and asset distribution. Consulting with an attorney ensures your wishes are legally sound and respected.

Is a $5000 Estate Plan Necessary?

The cost of an estate plan depends on your unique circumstances. Factors like your financial situation, minor or disabled children, and potential family conflicts can influence the complexity of your plan. For most, a straightforward estate plan that protects family and assets is both feasible and affordable.

Essential Estate Planning Documents

Living Will

In Kansas, a living will is a written statement expressing your healthcare wishes if you become unable to communicate them. It includes instructions on life support termination and activates when two physicians declare you terminally ill.

Durable Powers of Attorney

This document allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated. Your agent can consent to or refuse medical treatments, ensuring your healthcare preferences are honored.

Last Will & Testament

A Last Will & Testament outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. It allows you to appoint guardians for minor children and specify your final wishes, providing clarity and reducing potential disputes among heirs.

Non-Probate Transfers

Non-probate transfers enable certain assets to bypass the probate process, allowing for quicker distribution. These can include joint accounts, payable-on-death accounts, and beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies.

Custom Advance Directive Document Preparation

While Kansas offers statutory forms for living wills and durable powers of attorney, a personalized document can better reflect your specific wishes. An attorney can craft a document that addresses your unique needs, potentially easing family stress during difficult times.

Living Will vs. Durable Powers of Attorney

The main difference lies in the scope of authority. A living will applies to life-sustaining treatment decisions during terminal illness, while a durable power of attorney covers broader medical decisions and can be effective anytime you’re unable to decide.

Choosing Your Durable Powers of Attorney Agent

Select a trusted individual as your healthcare agent, ideally someone familiar with the healthcare system and capable of making tough decisions. Proximity is beneficial for regular communication with healthcare providers.

After You Make Your Advance Directives

Once your documents are prepared, distribute copies to your physicians, agent, and family. Store originals securely and inform someone of their location. By documenting your decisions now, you maintain control over your future healthcare.

Take Control of Your Estate Planning Today : It Is Time To Make Your Wishes Known

Gain peace of mind with an attorney-prepared Estate Plan at a fraction of the cost. Schedule your consultation today to ensure your wishes are known and respected.