Singles: Don't Neglect Your Life Planning

Wise Words From My Aunt your medical decisions if Much of what you hear you cannot make them about estate planning seems yourself. These documents to revolve around protectcan also be “beefed up” ing family members, be it legally with a revocable spouse or children. The distrust, in which you can also cussions also seem to foappoint a trustee to take cus on what will happen afcare of your financial after you’re gone. Listening fairs and a trustee (who to all this, it’s easy for those could be the same person) without children or spousJoseph S. Karp, to handle your medical es to conclude that, well, C.E.L.A. affairs. estate planning holds no Many singles have told me over benefits for them. But that’s a myth, the years that their affairs are in orone that we can put to rest right now. der because they have a will. This is If you have no direct heirs or a another myth. A will is important since spouse, you still have you—and you it directs how your assets will be alstill need to protect yourself. As my located after you’re gone, but it has wise aunt always says, “You may not nothing to do with how your affairs be more important than anyone else— will be managed while you’re alive. but you’re no less important, either.” A will is a death instrument, not a Moreover, estate planning is not only life instrument. about what happens to your “stuff” So, regardless if your family conafter you’re gone. It is every bit as sists of kids and grandkids—or just much about what happens during you—your family deserves to be prolife…and not just to your stuff, but to tected! Remember what my aunt says, you. and see a qualified estate planning/eldWithout family members in the picer law attorney to create a sound esture, you are more vulnerable to havtate plan for yourself. ing the courts get involved in your afJoseph S. Karp is a nationally certified fairs should you become incapacitatand Florida Bar-certified elder law attorney ed. And the decisions the courts make (C.E.L.A.) specializing in the practice of Trusts, may not be the ones you would make. Estates and Elder Law. His offices are locatYou can make sure your wishes are ed at 2500 Quantum Lakes Drive, Boynton followed by setting up a durable powBeach; 2875 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens; and 1100 SW St. Lucie W. Blvd., Port er of attorney, which appoints one or St. Lucie. Call him at 561-752-4550 (Boynmore people to handle your financial ton); 561-625-1100 (Palm Beach Gardens); and business affairs. You should also or 772-343-8411 (Port St. Lucie). Toll-free create a medical power of attorney, from anywhere: 800-893-9911. E-mail: KLF@ designating who you want to make Karplaw.com. or website www.karplaw.com