If you haven’t yet created a will, you might think that’s all you need to tie up loose ends. But estate planning is actually more comprehensive than it seems. If you’re looking for a Pleasanton estate planning attorney, let’s go over why you need more than a will to rely on.

Reasons to Include More than a Will

As important as a will is, it can’t cover the full scope of everything that can happen in a lifetime. That said, there are many things you can document in a will. The following are a few items you can include: 

• Guardians for your children
• Beneficiaries and what they’ll receive from your estate
• Family members you’ve chosen to disinherit
• An executor to administer your estate
• Who will care for your pets

Other Estate Planning Documents

Even if you don’t have a large estate at this time, you’re sure to feel better knowing that all of your affairs are in order. But what else should be included in your estate plan? Good question. You may want to include things like provisions for funeral expenses, transfer-on-death property or accounts, or a life insurance policy, among other things. For a more comprehensive outlook, talk to your Pleasanton estate planning lawyer about the most essential documents. Here are two that are important to consider:

Advance Directives

An advance directive is a document that specifies the medical care you’d want if you were ever too ill or injured to speak for yourself. This is important for a number of reasons. Not only does it ensure that your wishes are honored, but it also removes the burden from loved ones to make such vital decisions under stress. We all react differently in times of crisis, so having a plan in place can also prevent arguments about the best course of action. Your Pleasanton estate planning attorney can discuss the details with you, but an advance directive can include a range of things like:

• Organ donation
• A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) or DNI (Do Not Intubate)
• Whether or not you’d choose to be kept alive by artificial means, such as oxygen or a feeding tube
• Palliative care

Power of Attorney

When you assign a financial power of attorney, this person is able to handle your finances if you’re ever in a situation where you’re no longer able to manage them on your own. This can address things like filing your taxes, overseeing bank accounts, investing, and making sure all bills are paid. When it comes to setting up a POA, you have different options to choose from so it’s best to seek guidance from an experienced estate planning attorney. 

Pleasanton Estate Planning Attorney from Lewman Law

For your peace of mind, don’t put off creating an estate plan. When you’re ready to talk to a Pleasanton estate planning attorney, contact Lewman Law by calling (925) 447-1250. John Lewman is a leading estate planning attorney in the Tri-Valley area. He’s known for his knowledge, skill and dedication, as well as his reassuring and compassionate demeanor. Do you have questions? Lewman Law is here to help.