This March is the month of Lent as well as Easter. It is a time to think about one’s life and death. Many families are loathe to discuss this with their parents, spouses, siblings or friends. To bring up end of life decisions as well as what will happen to their estate when they pass. What arrangements have they have made for their eventual death.

It may be difficult to approach this subject, but it is necessary; and one must do it out of love, concern and gratitude towards that person. We cannot take the tact of thinking if I don’t think about it won’t happen or that I have plenty of time. It may well be that your family members or parents themselves are hesitant to bring up the topic with you. If you approach it in a way of love and tell them that it is so that their passing will be a smooth transition and that their wishes will be maintained and followed.

The first place to start is to prepare and ensure that you know exactly what your parents or loved one has. To make things easier, it is better to change accounts to in trust for or a joint account so that if your loved one becomes ill, you can access funds and take care of them during their illness.

Also, if things are left to someone as a beneficiary or in trust for, you do not have to wait for a will to be probated to obtain the funds. Unfortunately, I have been the witness of those that have been left behind trying to scramble to take care of their loved ones and not have the means or the information necessary.

It puts an undue burden on the person remaining and sometimes mistakes are made as a result. It is best to make an appointment and try to plan not only for the death of a loved one but an impending illness.

What everyone should have is a will, a health care proxy, and a power of attorney. In addition, there may be a reason to have a trust or other legal means of preparing for death.

We at the DePalo Law Firm will listen to your concerns, work with your family and make sure that your loved ones are well cared for and that you will also be cared for as well.