COVID 19 - Protecting Those You Love The Most

If there were ever a time to consider doing an estate plan, now would be that time. This pandemic has shown us how quickly our health and livelihood can change. If you are a parent of minor children, these facts probably keep you awake at night.

Preparing a Last Will and Testament and/or a Living Trust is one of the best ways you can ensure your children will be cared for in a way you would approve, should you pass away. Without a valid plan in place at your death, your State law dictates how to divide your material possessions, who will care for your minor children (in the absence of a surviving spouse), what age those children will receive access to their inheritance, and who will be responsible for selling or distributing your items of value.

Despite these risks, most young adults don’t have even a basic Will. Megan L. McCann, estate planning attorney and partner at Davis & McCann, P. A., attributes this trend to two facts: One, young adults rarely consider the possibility of death and two, many people assume they have insufficient assets to require estate planning.
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If you have children, McCann says having at least a simple Will is critical, if for no other reason than to name a guardian (the person who will provide physical shelter and care for your child) and a conservator (the person who will manage the money your child may inherit) for your minor children. “In the absence of a Will where you appoint a guardian and conservator, the State will decide who should care for your children and their assets after your death,” McCann says. She continues, “Part of our responsibility as parents is to protect our children and provide a safe future for them. By naming a guardian and conservator in a Will, you can control who provides that protection and safety for your children and their assets, if you no longer can.”

It also is a good idea to name an alternate guardian and conservator under your Will in case your original choice is unable or unwilling to act. Please be advised that the conservator need not be the same person as the guardian. Try to select individuals who you think exhibit the optimal skills for the position that you are appointing them for and whom you feel would make decisions that most closely mimic your own parenting style. It is always a good idea to get the advanced consent of the prospective guardian and conservator to ensure that they are willing to assume such a large responsibility prior to naming them in your Will. Be aware you can always revise your documents in the future to change the guardian and conservator at any time.

For more information on Estate Planning, contact Davis & McCann, P. A., Dodge City, KS. We are members of Wealth Counsel, a national consortium of Estate Planning Attorneys and focus our practice on providing clients with the best legal advice on estate planning, Medicaid and Long-term Care Planning, Special Needs Planning, Family Business/Small Business Succession Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, Real Estate Transactions, and related matters.

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