Planning Ahead

Planning ahead involves what happens to you and your assets if you become incapacitated and can't speak for yourself or if you die. While these subjects may seem to be more urgent because of your diagnosis, they should be a top priority for everyone.

You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to be prepared.

Don't let the emotions that are bound to surface around this subject keep you from taking action.

If you don't decide what happens to your assets or to you, the law will. 

• With respect to your property, the law takes a cookie cutter approach that one size fits all. It doesn't take into account what you or any other individual would actually want. 
• When it comes to health care, the system is geared to keeping people alive on expensive machines for a very long time unless there is proof of a different desire. It's worth remembering Terri Schiavo, the young Florida woman who lapsed into a coma and was kept alive on machines for years while her husband battled the courts (and even Congress) to follow wishes she had expressed orally but not put into writing. 

With a bit of preparation and a few simple legal documents, you can be in control of such matters as:

• Your medical treatment -- even if you become unable to speak for yourself.   
• The management of your financial affairs including to whom your kingdom passes.
• What happens to your children.
• Your pets.
• Funeral arrangements.

Last, but not least, planning ahead saves money - possibly a lot of money.

Things will more likely go according to your plans if in addition to putting your wishes in writing, you communicate them to your heirs.

Issues relating to end of life are not discussed in this category. If they're of interest, see: Managing Your Care.