The start of a new year can be a special time for both reflection on the blessings of the passing year and anticipation of things to come. For some, it is a time of determined resolutions; for others, a time for setting new personal or financial goals. Here are some legal tips to consider as you look ahead to the coming year.
- Locate important documents like estate planning documents, deeds and passports and store them in a safe place and record their location. You may want to consider scanning these documents into a folder as well for a backup. If you have a family attorney, send a digital copy of these important documents to them as well.
- Schedule an appointment with an attorney to review the need for any changes in estate plan, or to update any new beneficiary designations. This is particularly true if there have been any new additions to your family, or new healthcare concerns with any aging family member.
- Set aside time for those difficult conversations with loved ones regarding their end-of-life wishes and discuss a plan so that these goals may be accomplished.
- Consider getting a Health Care Power of Attorney for those family members and be sure to include your spouse.
- Review your insurance policy limits and coverages. This is particularly important when it comes to your UIM, or under-insured motorist coverage. A growing percentage of drivers on the road today only have the minimum coverage, and many do not have any liability coverage.
- Update passwords on all social media and digital applications. This should be a routine precaution every six months. Also, you may want to eliminate any social media apps or on-line accounts that you no longer use and purge your archives on Facebook or other media platforms. As a further precaution, you should investigate identity theft software to safeguard against hacking of your accounts.
- Prepare and organize a folder for any required documents in the event of a traffic stop. You should have your title, registration and proof of insurance readily on hand.
- If you serve on the board of a church or non-profit, it is critically important that you have an attorney review and recommend any needed updates.
Several years ago, I got a telephone call from a long-time client who had just been admitted to the hospital with a terminal illness. There was a sense of urgency in his voice as he said: “Larry, I need your help! My will is so outdated. Could you please come see me to make some needed changes.” Regrettably, this client passed away before I could get in to see him. I was thankful, at least, that I had discussed his eternal needs with him some months earlier, and he had made a decision to follow Christ.
On behalf of all of us at Crain Law Group, we join in wishing you a safe and prosperous New Year.
