Matters Of The Heart-What Will You Do?
Matters Of The Heart-What Will You Do?
My husband and I have discussed it over the years. Lately, we’ve found ourselves talking about it more than ever-at least once a month in the past year. Things are changing in our lives as well as the world. It’s essential to keep up with the ever-changing society.
Matters of the heart are serious, at least in my eyes. As we continue to age, things like that cross our minds, but little is done about it in some households. Family is a matter of the heart that shouldn’t be ignored.
What am I talking about? DNR, POA, Will & Life Insurance
DNR
A do not resuscitate [DNR] is a medical order, written or oral, depending on the country, noting that an individual should not receive CPR should the person's heart stops beating. The individual who completes a DNR should specify what the family must due in life-prolonging situations. Sometimes these decisions and the relevant documents include other medical decisions around critical or life-prolonging medical interventions. Place a copy of the document in your medical file and keep a copy at home. Revisit the document at least once a year.
DNRs and legal rights vary by state. Ensure you do your research regarding such issues. If you cannot consult an attorney, research community groups that provide free or a scaled fee for legal consultation services. Don’t forget about universities and colleges with legal programs where a paralegal or instructing attorney can offer advice.
POA
A [general] power of attorney [POA] is a legal document allowing someone else to act on your behalf regarding financial matters.
A medical power of attorney is a legal document in which an individual names an agent to make medical decisions on the individual’s behalf. The agent can only use it in medical circumstances.
POAs and legal rights vary by state. Ensure you do your research regarding such issues. If you cannot consult an attorney, research community groups that provide free or a scaled fee for legal consultation services. Don’t forget about universities and colleges with legal programs where a paralegal or instructing attorney can offer advice.
Will & Life Insurance
You may not think you need a will. However, one is encouraged. Simply stated, a Will is a legal document that states who will inherit your assets and belongings after you pass away. Assets are not always money.
Perhaps your mother, father, or grandparents (or other close family) owns a valuable piece of furniture, an heirloom, or jewelry. These things should be part of a Will. It’s awful when a family fights or stops speaking over things when a person dies. The idea is to unite families.
As a writer, I’ve included my published books in my Will (along with other things). Each time I publish a book, I update my spreadsheet and Will. I even have instructions on what to do if I’m in the middle of a book. . .
What about arrangements and life insurance? Have you written down plans for your burial place and the money? Do you even have a life insurance policy? Or, do you think a policy is not important?
That’s another story. Consider what you can give up right now and use the money to purchase a [$55] policy instead, for your family’s sake. Matters of the Heart – remember?
Was your loved one employed? If so, was a life insurance policy available through the employer? Sometimes that's not enough. This is where the extra policy comes in. One you purchase outside of the job.
I hope you find this information helpful. As a friendly tip, consider revisiting your documents as often as needed to keep them updated.
Helpful Resources
Ensure you research the laws of your state regarding the completion of a DNR, POA & Will
FindLaw
https://www.findlaw.com/state/health-...
LegalZoom (Forms)
https://www.legalzoom.com/personal/
Will Requirements by State
https://www.lawserver.com/will-requir...
Edited by: Michael A. Robinson Jr
My husband and I have discussed it over the years. Lately, we’ve found ourselves talking about it more than ever-at least once a month in the past year. Things are changing in our lives as well as the world. It’s essential to keep up with the ever-changing society.
Matters of the heart are serious, at least in my eyes. As we continue to age, things like that cross our minds, but little is done about it in some households. Family is a matter of the heart that shouldn’t be ignored.
What am I talking about? DNR, POA, Will & Life Insurance
DNR
A do not resuscitate [DNR] is a medical order, written or oral, depending on the country, noting that an individual should not receive CPR should the person's heart stops beating. The individual who completes a DNR should specify what the family must due in life-prolonging situations. Sometimes these decisions and the relevant documents include other medical decisions around critical or life-prolonging medical interventions. Place a copy of the document in your medical file and keep a copy at home. Revisit the document at least once a year.
DNRs and legal rights vary by state. Ensure you do your research regarding such issues. If you cannot consult an attorney, research community groups that provide free or a scaled fee for legal consultation services. Don’t forget about universities and colleges with legal programs where a paralegal or instructing attorney can offer advice.
POA
A [general] power of attorney [POA] is a legal document allowing someone else to act on your behalf regarding financial matters.
A medical power of attorney is a legal document in which an individual names an agent to make medical decisions on the individual’s behalf. The agent can only use it in medical circumstances.
POAs and legal rights vary by state. Ensure you do your research regarding such issues. If you cannot consult an attorney, research community groups that provide free or a scaled fee for legal consultation services. Don’t forget about universities and colleges with legal programs where a paralegal or instructing attorney can offer advice.
Will & Life Insurance
You may not think you need a will. However, one is encouraged. Simply stated, a Will is a legal document that states who will inherit your assets and belongings after you pass away. Assets are not always money.
Perhaps your mother, father, or grandparents (or other close family) owns a valuable piece of furniture, an heirloom, or jewelry. These things should be part of a Will. It’s awful when a family fights or stops speaking over things when a person dies. The idea is to unite families.
As a writer, I’ve included my published books in my Will (along with other things). Each time I publish a book, I update my spreadsheet and Will. I even have instructions on what to do if I’m in the middle of a book. . .
What about arrangements and life insurance? Have you written down plans for your burial place and the money? Do you even have a life insurance policy? Or, do you think a policy is not important?
That’s another story. Consider what you can give up right now and use the money to purchase a [$55] policy instead, for your family’s sake. Matters of the Heart – remember?
Was your loved one employed? If so, was a life insurance policy available through the employer? Sometimes that's not enough. This is where the extra policy comes in. One you purchase outside of the job.
I hope you find this information helpful. As a friendly tip, consider revisiting your documents as often as needed to keep them updated.
Helpful Resources
Ensure you research the laws of your state regarding the completion of a DNR, POA & Will
FindLaw
https://www.findlaw.com/state/health-...
LegalZoom (Forms)
https://www.legalzoom.com/personal/
Will Requirements by State
https://www.lawserver.com/will-requir...
Edited by: Michael A. Robinson Jr
No comments have been added yet.
