Serving Those Who Serve Others

by Linda A. Thornton

Befriending a homeless Korean War veteran years ago, Lee McDaniel still remembers how startled she was to realize how much help he needed and how lost he felt, not knowing where to turn.

With an associate degree in the paralegal field and having worked as a paralegal/legal assistant since 1991, most of Lee’s experience at various law firms consisted of preparing documents like wills and medical directives.

Lee began her career in Williamson County as a corrections officer back in 2017. In 2021, she was hired to be the information aide at Williamson County’s Historic Courthouse and says she feels privileged to work in such a beautiful environment directing visitors to the proper county departments. In this new role and when assisting at the Veteran Services Office, she has had the opportunity to get to know many who have served our country. This new interaction with veterans inspired Lee and gave her an idea.

She now prepares basic wills and medical directives at no charge for Williamson County veterans, first responders, and their family members, regardless of where they live. She also became a Texas Notary Public and offers those services for free as well. With some basic information, she is able to prepare most documents in about five minutes.

BASIC LEGAL DOCUMENTATION

The free, simple will Lee prepares essentially documents an individual’s final desires regarding the distribution of his or her assets and designates an executor to oversee the fulfillment of those wishes. Should a person die without a will, decisions about the estate are left in the hands of judges or state officials, which is an expensive and complicated process.

A medical directive—or living will—is a legal document that contains instructions about a person’s health care decisions, such as preference for a DNR (do not resuscitate) order.

Having a document notarized is an official fraud-deterring process that assures the signature on a document is genuine and the signer did so of his or her own free will.

Now, 90 wills later, Lee is on a mission to remind everyone that planning ahead is the right thing to do. People tend to put off doing things that are uncomfortable, but she graciously makes the process less intimidating, offering one of the best gifts you can leave your loved ones peace of mind.

For more information about her free services, contact Lee directly at leemcdaniel994@gmail.com.

MORE AREA ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS

Honorably discharged veterans living in Williamson County may apply for emergency financial assistance with rent/mortgage, burial services, utilities and food. The online application is not yet available, but you may apply in person at the Veteran Services Office located inside the Georgetown Annex, 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown.

PHOTO COURTESY: VIRGINIA CASAS