Estate planning is important for everyone, but more so for individuals with high-risk jobs. First responders, military service members, and law enforcement encounter high risks every day, and proper estate planning can be crucial to ensuring your family’s current and future needs in the event of calamity.
At Cook, Craig and Francuzenko we cherish those who serve our community, state, and country. To give back, we put together this estate planning guide and we are proud to offer a 10% discount to active and retired law enforcement, first responders, and military members.
Why is Estate Planning Important?
Firefighters, law enforcement, paramedics, military members, and other first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our community. Retired individuals can also face unexpected illnesses or death relating to their line of work. For example, firefighters have a higher risk of cancer, and law enforcement often experience health issues related to stress.
Estate planning helps protect these heroes and their loved ones. By employing an advanced medical directive and power of attorney, you can avoid costly guardianship and conservatorship proceedings if you lose capacity. With a trust or a will, YOU decide how your assets are distributed.
Important Documents
There are several important estate planning documents that first responders, military and law enforcement should have. These include the following:
- Advanced Medical Directive (AMD). In this document you determine how YOU want to be treated in the event that you lose your capacity, and you chose who YOU want to make medical decisions on your behalf.
- Power of Attorney (POA). Like an AMD, in a POA you provide a trusted family member or friend with the power to make financial decisions on your behalf.
- Will. A will allows you to leave instructions for how to distribute any assets you own in your name (no co-owner or beneficiary) through the probate process.
- Trust. Similar to wills, Trusts allow you to manage your assets while you are alive, and after your demise, with no court or probate involvement.
10% Off Estate Planning in Virginia
We understand the importance of caring for family members and loved ones and we cherish our heroes. Get the estate planning advice you need and ask about our 10% discount for active and retired first responders, military service members and law enforcement. Contact us today to learn more.
