Can you recall an incident that just scared you to death? Maybe the stool you were standing on to change a light bulb wobbled. Or did you have a really close call driving to work? Who among us can say no?

Even if you could guarantee 100% that you wouldn't ever have an accident, never become seriously ill, and that you would one day die peacefully in your bed without losing an ounce of your strength or mental agility, your family could still be left with a legal and financial mess to clean up.

Have You Really Thought About The "What Ifs?"

Planning isn't an aging issue. It's a grown-up issue. Everyone over the age of 18 should give a little thought to the "what ifs" of life. Do yourself and the people who love you a favor and at least get some of the planning basics out of the way. Everyone will sleep more soundly.

Did you know that if your spouse is injured on the way to work you might have trouble getting information from the doctors without a Power of Attorney or Release of Information form?

Did you know that if your unmarried child is over the age of 18 you no longer can easily make decisions in a health emergency without the right documents?

If you're providing care, or think you may soon be providing care, it's especially important that both you and your care recipient do this legal and financial planning. If you don't have the right paperwork you might not be able to make the decisions your loved one would need or want. And, should something happen to you, neither you nor your care recipient would have the protection or care you both want. 

Now Is The Time To Get This Done

All of these documents can make up part of your estate plan. At the very least you should have a will and a health care power of attorney. Your legal and financial advisors can help you determine what else you need:

Last Will & Testament 
Power of Attorney for Health Care
Financial Power of Attorney
Living Will