Brace For Life’s Uncertainties With Disability And Incapacity Planning
When life throws us curveballs, everything can change in an instant. It’s important to prepare for the possibility – however remote – that you might one day be unable to make your own decisions. A thoughtful, proactive approach will ensure that your wishes regarding health care, financial management and personal care are respected, even when you’re not in a position to articulate them yourself. This preparation will provide legal protection as well as comfort and clarity for your loved ones.
We can help you plan for the unexpected. Our San Jose attorneys at the Law Offices of Berge & Berge handle disability asset protection, incapacity planning and other aspects of estate planning to give clients peace of mind about the future. We offer flexible solutions to meet your specific needs. Our lawyers are skilled at deciphering and simplifying complex issues to provide you with clear, actionable advice. We serve clients throughout the South Bay area of California.
Ways To Protect Yourself In The Event Of Legal Incapacity
Incapacity refers to a person’s inability to make decisions or manage their own affairs due to mental or physical impairments. Incapacity can stem from a wide range of causes, including serious illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, debilitating accidents that result in brain injuries, or sudden medical events such as strokes.
The implications of incapacity are far-reaching. If you don’t put legal directives into place beforehand, your loved ones may have to seek costly court involvement. That’s why it’s critical to have the right tools in place, such as:
- Powers of attorney – Appoint someone you trust to handle your financial and medical affairs
- Advance health care directives (AHCD) – Outline your wishes for medical and end-of-life care
- HIPAA authorizations – Give chosen individuals access to your medical information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act so they can make informed decisions
- Trusts – Manage your assets and provide instructions for their use if you become incapacitated
- Asset protection – Shield your assets from creditors in the event of incapacity
You can take additional measures to protect yourself in the event of a disabling injury or medical condition that impacts your ability to support yourself. Our lawyers offer detailed guidance on disability planning options.
Make Your Choices Known
It’s never too soon to think about incapacity planning and make informed decisions that are legally enforceable. We can empower you to take proactive steps today. Reach out online or by phone at 669-244-3546 to start the conversation about creating a plan that protects you and honors your wishes.
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