September 1, 2016

When you think of estate planning, there’s a good chance that a will or a trust comes to find. While crucial components of your plan, these are not the only things you need to consider when you sit down with a New Jersey estate planning attorney. Remember that there are many critical issues that can come to light during your life, so planning for potential incapacity is just as important as thinking about what happens to your property after you pass away. 

The legal issues surrounding the practice of medicine are complex and constantly changing. That’s why it’s important to have an estate planning attorney who understands these issues and works with you to protect what’s necessary. At a minimum, a healthcare power of attorney is necessary in the event that you are unable to make decisions for yourself. If you have particular wishes about end of life care, this is something you should discuss with your attorney as well to ensure that you are appropriately protected.

Your state may have additional rules and requirements that you should know about. Having an attorney who is proactive can go a long way in helping you prepare for these complicated issues. As your life situation changes, you may need to update the powers of attorney as well as your other estate planning documents. Do not hesitate to identify the right attorney to help you with this process, as the ideal relationship between you and your lawyer is a long-term one.

To learn more about healthcare issues in planning, consult with an experienced New Jersey estate planning attorney. This is particularly true if you’re looking to plan well in advance for potential Medicaid qualification.