For many millennials, estate planning is not a topic that has even crossed their mind, let alone been made a priority. With more immediate concerns such as graduation from school, the start of a career, perhaps looking forward to buying a home and starting a family, the thought of planning for death or incapacity is a non-starter for many. Although people often think of estate planning as a task for later in life, there are aspects of estate planning that prove beneficial regardless of age or perceived net worth. Estate planning can include both planning for during life (“Advance Directives”) and for after death (“Testamentary Planning”), both of which are important for any person.
Advance directives, such as a Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney will benefit any adult, as accidents and emergencies cannot be predicted, and do not discriminate by age. By having a Health Care Proxy in place, a person can dictate who will make decisions on their behalf in the event they can no longer make them on their own. In addition, a thoughtfully drafted living will can assist the appointed agent in making the choices that a person would want made, including what kind of end-of-life care they would want to be given or withheld. Another document that becomes tremendously important in the event of incapacity is a durable power of attorney, which allows the appointed agent to manage the principal’s finances.
As for Testamentary Planning documents, although many people believe that they do not have sufficient assets to warrant the creation of a Last Will and Testament of Trust, there are many aspects of such documents that are important for people of all socioeconomic situations. For young adults who are not yet married, consideration should be made for aging parents who may be on government benefits like Medicaid now or in the future. Without proper planning any amount of money received as the beneficiary of an estate can jeopardize an aging parent’s government benefits. Additionally, as greater numbers of millennials begin starting their own families, a Will or Trust is essential, not only to ensure that assets are distributed according to their wishes at death, but also to nominate a guardian for your minor children in case of your death.
Even at the exciting a fast pace beginning of life, it is never too early to make plan for the unimaginable and for the benefit of your loved ones.
Learn more about elder law, estate planning and special needs planning at http://www.elderlawnewyork.com and www.littmankrooks.com. Have questions about this article? Contact us.
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