Important Messages to Convey to Your Loved Ones

Do your loved ones know where your will is located?

At times, even people who have taken the critical step of making an estate plan fail to provide their loved ones with the information they will need to execute that plan. Whether it is through an oversight or intentional secrecy, leaving your loved ones out of the estate planning process can create complications. Our San Ramon, California estate planning attorneys offer a list of vital topics you should broach now with your trusted family and friends.

Medical Information

Emergencies happen, and if you are ever in Medi-Cal distress, you will want your loved ones to have the information they need to get you the care you need. Provide a close family member or friend with the name and number of your medical provider. Keep an up-to-date medical history and a list of prescription medications in a location that you reveal to your selected emergency contact. Include with it your insurance information.

Now is also the time to speak to your loved ones about your desires should you need additional care. If you ever find yourself unable to remain at home alone, what other housing options have you considered? By starting the conversation as to care in your advanced age now you can be better prepared when the time eventually comes.

Estate Planning Documents

Hopefully you already have a will, power of attorney, and possibly a trust set up. If not, your first step will be to meet with a qualified estate planning attorney to begin the process of protecting your assets and heirs. Once your estate plan is complete, you will need to keep both a digital and hard copy of all documents. Tell your listed executor what estate plans you have made and where they can be found. Further include the contact information of the lawyer who created your estate plan. Your estate executor will need to be able to find these critical documents upon your death.

Life Insurance

Life insurance can be a sensitive subject, but if you have taken the step of purchasing a policy, you will want your named recipients to be aware of it. Let your loved ones know that you have a life insurance policy and where they can access information about it after your death. By having these conversations now, however hard they may be, you can ensure that your loved ones are cared for after your death.

About the Author

Julie M. Fiedler, an Attorney at Law, has been a resident of San Ramon since 1988. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare and senior services as a Registered Nurse, she is recognized as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation. Julie is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist individuals with VA benefits. Her extensive involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., and as the past President of the Northern California Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. She is an active member of California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and ElderCounsel. Additionally, Julie Fiedler has contributed her leadership skills as President of the Adult Day Services Network of Contra Costa.