When Life Changes

Not long ago, my older son, Charlie, and I brought our dog to the Trenton Boulevard beach in Sea Girt. Watching the two of them play by the sun-dappled water’s edge, I knew that, before long, summer would release us from a long stretch of damp and drear. There are these moments, when something is happening, when things are changing. But what do you do about it? How do you handle a change you can’t quite put your finger on, but, just the same, you know it’s there?

Planning

In my estate planning practice, my clients confront a version of this dilemma. Something happens to them that they know marks a change in their lives: the beginning or end of a marriage, the birth of a child or grandchild, a shift in their health or their finances. The clients know it’s big, and they sense it will affect their futures, but they’re not sure what to do about it. The specific answer varies from client to client, but one thing is for sure: if you’re thinking about your estate plans, call your trust and estate attorney and talk it over.

Just about everyone, at every stage of life, needs a fundamentally sound estate plan. 

The basic plan has three parts: a Last Will and Testament, which governs the disposition of your assets after your death; a General Durable Power of Attorney, which authorizes another person to undertake business transactions on your behalf during your lifetime; and a Medical Proxy, which designates a person to make medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate those decisions for yourself. No matter where you are in your life, these documents ensure that your wishes will be carried out precisely and efficiently, and your interests and those of your family will be protected. As your life changes, your attorney will advise you if these documents need to be tweaked. More significant changes in your life may necessitate more advanced planning to protect your assets and take care of your loved ones. As time goes by, your trust and estate attorney will keep you and your family secure in the knowledge that you are prepared for whatever comes your way.

John C. Tassini practices trust and estate law with Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, a full-service firm, at 302 Washington Ave., Spring Lake. Please contact John via phone 732-230-5003 or email jct@mtglawyers.com for more information.