If you were injured in an accident today would your family know what to do?
Have you prepared the legal documents to ensure your health and financial affairs would be managed according to your wishes? Are you personal papers in order so a family member could find them quickly in an emergency?
While no one likes to worry about suffering a medical emergency or having an accident on the way to work, there is a chance that at some point you may be unable to convey your wishes to your family. If you prepare a Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney ahead of time, your family and friends will know what decisions you’ve made regarding your health if you are unable to speak for yourself.
Have you considered who would raise your children if you were not around? You should choose someone you trust, whose ideals and values are similar to yours and who would consent to taking on this responsibility.
Do you have a Last Will and Testament that explains how you want your assets divided? If there is a certain item you want to pass along to a specific person, be sure to include this in your will.
Keep a file with these important documents in a place where they can easily be retrieved- preferable your home- and let several family members or trusted friends know where these documents are. If you keep copies in a safe deposit box at the bank, make sure someone else has a key. However, also remember that emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours and it may take hours or days before someone is able to access your safe deposit box.
The most adult thing you can ever do for your spouse and family is to be prepared ahead of time for an emergency. You don’t want them making a decision during an emotional time- a decision that is not what you would have wanted. Plan ahead of time and know that your wishes will be carried out.
Copyright © 2007 Kathy Swann
Kathy Swann has over 25 years experience in office management, payroll and Human Resources. She is the Controller of a consulting company in Baltimore, MD and also freelances as a consultant for several small businesses. Kathy is the author of "How to Win When You Prepare for a Personal Emergency" now available at http://www.suncatcherpress.com
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