Wills and Powers of Attorney

Advice About Texas Wills and Basic Estate Planning

Clients of Holly Schymik's family law practice usually find it convenient to take care of some basic estate planning chores while going through divorce. You don't have to be a divorce client to benefit from her advice, however. Just about everyone can benefit from basic estate planning instruments: last wills and testaments, powers of attorney for financial and medical matters, advance directives to physicians and HIPAA releases.

To learn more about Texas wills and other essential estate planning documents, contact Holly Schymik in East Dallas.

Why do I need a last will and testament?

In the absence of a will, Texas law will dictate the transfer of your assets upon your death under the laws of intestate succession. Most people, however, find it preferable to name the beneficiaries of their estate, so that property will not pass in directions that you don't intend. For single parents especially, a will can also designate a guardian for any minor children to save the expense of formal guardianship proceedings.

Powers of attorney can protect you in case of an incapacitating accident

Other basic estate planning tools address the possibility that you might not be able to look after your own interests in the event of a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other severe illness or accident. A durable financial power of attorney authorizes a trusted person to manage your finances when you can't. A health care power of attorney empowers a person to make medical decisions for you if you can't speak for yourself. An advance directive to physicians clearly specifies the conditions under which you would prefer that life support be terminated.

It's easy to see how these documents can spare your family from expense and excruciating decisions, while they protect your interests and honor your values.

While you are here, think about signing a HIPAA release

Finally, we highly recommend that everyone execute a HIPAA release. It can save lives. In the interests of patient confidentiality protection, the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) imposes certain barriers to the sharing of medical information. If someone suffers a heart attack and is taken to the nearest hospital, you want to make sure that the medical records kept elsewhere are shared with the emergency physicians as quickly as possible. A HIPAA release ensures that medical treatment won't be delayed in the interests of data protection.

Holly Schymik will be happy to explain these basic documents and show you how they can benefit your family and yourself. Contact her in East Dallas for further information.