Are your affairs in order?

By Beth Newcomb

While the chances that you or someone you know will contract or even die from the coronavirus are relatively slim, the idea that some type of calamity could claim your life unexpectedly is very real, says Jay Nabors, a Cleveland based attorney who focuses on estate planning.

“Anything can happen at any time, so this might be the perfect time to review your will, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney and living will,” he says.

“Are the people you’ve named as beneficiaries still alive? Are they still in your life? Are there new people, such as children or grandchildren you need to provide for? Do you have all four documents in place?”

These important questions and more are asked during your review time with Jay. If you’ve never had a will and the accompanying estate documents, Jay will take the time to go over everything pertaining to your unique situation. If you decide to retain Jay to prepare your documents, he will call you when they are ready to sign.

And here’s a good reason why now is the right time to review.

“I had a client who’d had a falling out with his back-up estate executor,” Jay says. “The client passed, his executor was already deceased, so the back-up executor, who was not named in the will and no longer a friend, was able to collect the executor fee ahead of any payments to beneficiaries. Not only was that person on the outs with the deceased, she was also able to benefit from his estate.”

“Every five years is the right amount of time to review,” Jay suggests.

Jay is a partner with Weston Hurd LLP. He sees clients at the firm’s office in downtown Cleveland, in addition to meeting with clients in Strongsville upon request. Mention this story when you schedule an appointment for a Mimi reader exclusive. House calls and select evening appointments are available.

To reach Jay Nabors of Weston Hurd LLP, call him directly at 216-687-3205. His office is located at 1301 E. 9th Street, Suite 1900 in downtown Cleveland. Jay can also meet clients at 11221 Pearl Road in Strongsville.