Many adults put off estate planning because it feels overwhelming or uncomfortable. Yet year after year, fewer people take this important step – especially older adults. In my work as an estate planning attorney, I see firsthand how having the right plan in place can reduce stress, protect independence, and provide peace of mind for both seniors and their families.
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass away. It’s also about protecting yourself while you’re alive – especially as your needs and circumstances change with age. Below are some of the most common questions I hear from senior clients, along with clear, practical answers.
Who Will Help Me If I Can’t Manage Things on My Own?
As we age, the likelihood of needing help with finances or medical decisions increases. An illness, accident, or even short-term hospitalization can leave you unable to handle everyday tasks like paying bills or speaking with doctors.
A financial power of attorney allows you to choose a trusted person to help manage your financial affairs if you’re unable to do so. This can include paying bills, managing accounts, filing taxes, or handling property matters. Without this document, your loved ones may be forced to go to court to ask a judge to appoint someone – an expensive, time-consuming, and public process.
A medical power of attorney allows you to name someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot communicate or make decisions yourself. Without it, medical providers may need court direction, delaying care and creating unnecessary stress for your family.
Having these documents in place means you stay in control of who helps you – and how.
What Happens If I Need Help While I’m Traveling?
Many seniors today remain active well into their later years. Traveling, visiting family, or spending time in another state is common. But life doesn’t pause just because you’re away from home.
A financial power of attorney ensures that someone you trust can step in if a financial issue arises while you’re gone. Importantly, this does not mean you give up your independence. You can still act for yourself as long as you’re able, and you can revoke or change your chosen agent at any time.
This flexibility allows you to enjoy travel with confidence, knowing someone can help if needed.
How Can I Protect My Loved Ones After I’m Gone?
Estate planning allows you to continue caring for your family even after your lifetime. One of the most effective tools for this is a trust.
A trust allows you to set aside money or property for loved ones, name someone to manage it (called a trustee), and give clear instructions about how and when assets should be used. A trust can be part of a revocable living trust plan or included within a will, depending on your goals.
You can tailor distributions in several ways, such as:
- Immediate distributions, giving assets outright
- Staggered distributions, released at certain ages
- Milestone-based distributions, tied to education, service, or other achievements
- Discretionary distributions, allowing a trustee to manage funds when protection is needed due to creditors, risky circumstances, or other concerns
This flexibility allows you to protect your loved ones while honoring your values.
Planning for Peace of Mind – Now and Later
A well-designed estate plan helps you enjoy your later years with clarity and confidence. It protects your privacy, preserves your independence, and reduces confusion and conflict for the people you care about most.
Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all, and it’s never just about documents. It’s about thoughtful decisions made ahead of time – while you are in control.
If you have questions or want to create or update a plan that reflects your life today, I’m here to help. Together, we can design a plan that supports you now and protects your loved ones in the future.
At Cheever Law, APC, we don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. The Life & Legacy Planning Session will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a 15-minute introductory call today.