There are many ways to prepare for an uncertain future, from purchasing fire extinguishers to selecting an auto insurance policy that offers sufficient coverage in the event of a collision. While it’s impossible to plan for every potential scenario, there are steps you can take to keep you and your family more protected in the face of an emergency or unexpected injury. Since 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has observed what’s known as National Preparedness Month every September. During this month, the campaign encourages Americans to “take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared” for emergencies. In addition to creating a family emergency plan and building an emergency supply kit, National Preparedness Month is a great time to focus on emergency estate planning. You and your family can put crucial legal documents in place that can protect you in the event of an unexpected illness, injury, or traumatic event.
As you begin to explore your estate planning options in the greater Portland and Vancouver area, it can be helpful to enlist the guidance of a highly experienced and caring estate planning attorney who can work with you to articulate your goals and implement strategies to achieve them. From establishing a power of attorney to creating an advance healthcare directive, there are several estate planning tools that you may explore as you take steps to keep the future as bright and secure as possible. Let’s take a closer look at some of your estate planning for emergencies options and how partnering with a trusted and knowledgeable Portland and Vancouver estate planning lawyer can help you achieve your goals.
What is Estate Planning in the Context of Emergencies?
When some people hear the term “estate planning,” they may assume that these documents are intended to serve as guides when the individual passes away and decisions need to be made about their estate. While some estate planning documents serve this purpose, a comprehensive estate plan also includes legal preparedness for emergencies, such as unexpected injuries or incapacitation. In other words, you can use your estate plan to make sure that your family is able to make critical decisions without significant court delays. With these legal documents in place, your wishes will be known and carried out in the event of your incapacity or inability to communicate your preferences.
Key Legal Documents For Emergency Preparedness in Oregon
When you consult with a highly qualified and caring Vancouver and Portland estate planning attorney, you can discuss your needs and goals so that you can select the tools that will provide you with the best protections. Below are just a few of the estate planning documents that you may wish to explore as you take steps to keep the future bright and secure.
Durable Power of Attorney
When someone becomes incapacitated and unable to make important financial decisions, a durable power of attorney can step in to make these decisions on their behalf. A durable power of attorney is a legal document that grants an individual of your choosing the legal authority to manage your finances or make financial decisions in the event of your incapacitation. Knowing that a person you trust will be ready to handle these decisions if you become unable to express your wishes can give you greater peace of mind.
Advance Healthcare Directive
When we seek medical care, we are usually able to communicate with the healthcare professionals and make decisions about treatment options. However, if an illness or injury prevents you from expressing your wishes or renders you incapacitated, a legal document known as the advance directive for healthcare can be used to make these wishes and preferences known. You may also appoint a healthcare representative to step in and make your wishes known in the event of your incapacitation.
HIPAA Authorization
Another step you can take to prepare for an emergency situation is to complete HIPAA authorizations that allow doctors to share sensitive medical information with your loved ones. Without prior HIPAA authorization, healthcare providers cannot share confidential medical information with family members.
Wills and Trusts
Sometimes, an illness or injury turns tragic. While it may never feel like the “right” time to plan for a future in which you are no longer around to spend time with your loved ones, moving through the estate planning process can actually be empowering and reassuring. Putting a will or trust in place allows you to feel more confident that your loved ones will be protected and supported, regardless of what the future may hold.
Real-World Scenarios Where Emergency Estate Planning Matters
There can be situations where tragedy may strike, upending the lives of you and your loved ones. Car accidents, medical emergencies, and natural disasters can come out of nowhere, so it’s important to put legal protections in place that will minimize the tumultuous aftermath of these unexpected events. Without legal planning documents, courts or systems may need to intervene and make decisions that may not align with your wishes or vision for the future. The best way to keep you and your family as safe as possible is to create an estate plan and keep copies of these documents in a secure location. Should an emergency occur, you or your loved ones can access these documents and use them to inform critical decisions when the time comes.
FAQs About Emergency Preparedness and Estate Planning
If you’re ready to create a basic estate plan that safeguards you and your family in the event of an emergency, it’s natural for several questions to arise along the way. Enlisting the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced Portland and Vancouver estate planning attorney can give you the information you need to make these decisions with greater confidence and certainty.
What Documents Do I Need in Case of Sudden Incapacity?
At a minimum, it’s worth including the following legal documents: Power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, and a HIPAA release.
Do Young Adults Need These Documents, Too?
Yes—once a child turns 18, parents no longer have automatic legal authority to make decisions on behalf of their children.
How Often Should I Review My Emergency Documents?
It’s best to review your emergency estate planning documents every one to two years, or after any major life change.
As the National Preparedness Month comes to an end, it’s a good time to put key estate planning documents in place to ensure that you and your loved ones remain protected in the event of an emergency or unexpected event. Get in touch with the dedicated legal team at Myatt & Bell, P.C., today by calling our Portland, Oregon office at (503) 641-6262 or our Vancouver, Washington office at (360) 360-0212 to get started.
The content on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The author of this blog is not an attorney, and the views expressed are solely those of the author. Always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for legal guidance regarding your unique situation.
