Whether you have a multitude of assets or have little and are living on your social security or retirement, everyone does need some type of planning to guide loved ones during your life as well as after your death. Estate planning is one of the primary reasons Kelley Law exists and is one of the top three areas of law that the firm specializes in providing. 

Estate Planning doesn’t just determine where your assets go when you pass away. That is why people at every stage of life and age need to be cognizant of some of the following questions:

• If you are single, regardless of age, who has legal authority to handle your affairs or make decisions in your stead if you are traveling outside of the country, injured, or become disabled?

• Married people without children have the least to worry about because their spouse is looked to as their decision maker if one is unable. But what if something happens to both of you and decisions need to be made quickly and for a long duration? 

• If you are married with Minor Children: 

  • Who will take care of your children if something happens to you and your spouse? 

  • Who will manage your affairs if something happens to both you and your spouse?

  • Who will be in charge of assets you leave for your minor children should you pass away?

• If you are divorced with minor children, do you want your assets to be put in trust for your children should you pass, or in the hands of your former spouse to make decisions?

• Do you have a child (adult or minor) with Special Needs?

• If you are in your prime with adult children, have you planned for long term care for yourself or you and a spouse? Does one of your adult children receive government assistance?

• Do you own real estate (home, farm, business, rentals, etc.)

• Will your spouse be able to pay bills if you go into long term care?

• If you are older, have you thought about whether you want to be kept on nourishment if you are in a vegetative state? 
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