A Round Tuit Story

SENIOR CHOICES

In Medieval times, the legendary King Arthur had assembled twelve chivalrous knights of the realm to protect the kingdom from evil and harm. Thus, King Arthur asked the wizard Merlin to fashion a finely crafted, large round table (known as a Round Tuit) to be used for the assemblage of the twelve knights.

This table evolved into a small, circular token that reminds one who obtains it to do something which he said he would do when he got around to it. Often, the language on a round tuit states: “This is a tuit. Guard it with your life as tuit’s are hard to come by, especially the round ones. This is an indispensable item. It will help you become a more efficient worker. For years we have heard people say, ‘I’ll do it as soon as I get a round tuit’. Now that you have one, you can accomplish all of those things you put aside until you get a round tuit!”

Receiving a round tuit applies to accomplishing your goals regarding many tasks, including having your estate plan documents prepared now.

If you have the foresight to prepare an estate plan, you will have peace of mind regarding the documents needed to protect yourself and your family during your lifetime and after passing. These documents include preparation of a Will or a Will and a Trust, Financial/ General and Health Care Power of Attorney Documents and a Living Will/ Medical Declaration.

Talking to an attorney about end-of-life issues and estate plan documents can be uncomfortable; however, most clients who complete the process are rewarded for a sense of relief and certainty that their wishes will be carried out. Because some of the restrictions on giving away property can be confusing, it is best to prepare your Will now and make sure it states your current wishes, especially after any financial or other changes in your life. Preparing a Will in the first place, once you get around to it, will also provide peace of mind and I can assist with respect to the preparation of such needed estate plan documents.

What are the four key medical/estate plan documents you need now?

Many of my clients have asked what are the critical documents needed, particularly in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Simply being married does not give you the legal right to gain access to your spouse’s medical records or make medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency. To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve your overall estate planning goals, the following documents create an effective medical/estate plan package:

1. Healthcare Power of Attorney;

2. General Financial Power of Attorney;

3. Advanced Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and

4. Will (or a Will with a Trust). Careful medical/estate planning should include the preparation and signing of these documents, to accomplish your goals and protect you, both during your lifetime and at the time of passing. The Power of Attorney documents allow you to designate those agents whom you authorize to help you on your behalf during your lifetime, and the Will/Trust documents allow you to nominate others to help with your estate after your passing, as well as to identify the beneficiaries and the distributions to them, to accomplish your estate planning goals.

As a courtesy, there is no charge for my initial consultation with clients. I have served seniors and their families for over 43 years regarding their medical and estate planning needs.