The document discusses the importance of advanced directives in estate planning, revealing that only 29% of individuals have prepared them, often due to misconceptions about costs and a reluctance to discuss death. It outlines three critical questions each estate plan should address regarding incapacity, life support preferences, and post-death arrangements. The text emphasizes the need for communication with loved ones and regular document reviews to ensure that personal wishes are understood and respected.

1. Advanced Directives: The Overlooked Side of Estate Planning © Sean Reid, LLC 2010

2. Estate Planning in the United States

3. 35% Have Prepared a Will

4. 29% Have Prepared Advanced Directives 25% of those with a will and/or advanced directives regularly review their documents.

5. Why are these numbers so low? - The mistaken belief that estate planning is only for those with substantial assets. - The mistaken belief that estate planning costs a lot of money. - People don’t want to talk about death or dying. - Many don’t know what the term estate planning means.

6. The 3 Questions Every Estate Plan Should Answer 1. What do I want to happen in the event I am unable to care for myself? - Who do I want to make decisions on my behalf? (Both Medical and Personal) - Who do I want to care for my minor children? 2. What are my beliefs regarding the use of life support technology and feeding tubes to keep me alive? 3. What do I want to happen in the event of my death? Do I specific requests regarding my funeral arrangements? - Do I have specific requests or concerns about providing for my spouse, children or other loved ones?

7. 1. What do I want to happen in the event I am unable to care for myself due to a prolonged illness or accident? Addressed with a Health Care POA Appoints an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf. Takes effect when 2 physicians agree that you are unable to care for yourself. The person appointed cannot override the wishes expressed in your living will. May be revoked only by you at any time. 1. What do I want to happen in the event I am unable to care for myself due to a prolonged illness or accident? Addressed with a Health Care POA Appoints an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf. Takes effect when 2 physicians agree that you are unable to care for yourself. The person appointed cannot override the wishes expressed in your living will. May be revoked only by you at any time.

8. 2. What are my beliefs regarding the use of life support and feeding tubes to keep me alive? - Empowers Doctors to act on your behalf. - Applies in only specific end of life circumstances. - Addresses your wishes regarding the use of life support technology and feeding tubes. - May include your wishes to make an anatomical gift upon your death. 2. What are my beliefs regarding the use of life support and feeding tubes to keep me alive? - Empowers Doctors to act on your behalf. - Applies in only specific end of life circumstances. - Addresses your wishes regarding the use of life support technology and feeding tubes. - May include your wishes to make an anatomical gift upon your death.

9. From an attorney’s standpoint, answering these questions requires a team effort. - Hospitals and community organizations often provide counselors to help you make these decisions. - Talk to your Pastor, Minister, or someone that helps you find spiritual guidance. - Talk to your loved ones. - This decision often takes several weeks. - Make the decision that is right for you, right now.

10. Where do I go from here? - Talk to your loved ones. - Are they aware of your wishes, and who you named to make decisions on your behalf? - Talk to the individual(s) you named to make decisions on your behalf. - Are they aware of what you are asking of them, and are they willing to take on that responsibility? - Do they know where to find the appropriate forms if necessary?

11. All estate planning forms require maintenance. - Any will or advanced directive should be reviewed every 3 to 5 years.

12. Get More Information: - Many hospitals, churches and charitable organizations offer classes or counseling to help you and your family with these decisions. - The Ohio Bar Association provides legal information and attorney references. www.ohiobar.org - The Columbus Bar Association also provides legal information and attorney references. www.cbalaw.org [email_address] (614) 859-5515