Your lack of planning can cost you
By Beth Newcomb
There’s a snappy little statement that goes something like this:
“Your lack of planning does not constitute my emergency.”
When it comes to estate concerns with our parents, that saying can be loosely applied, says Linda Nabors, who works with her husband, Jay, at Nabors & Nabors, the Strongsville-based law firm where attorney John J. Urban is of counsel.
“Most people have no idea where their parent’s estate documents are located,” Linda says.
“Mom and dad have them, sure. But they neglect to inform their children regarding the whereabouts of the documents. Or they move them to a new location and don’t tell the kids. This can be detrimental during a time of crisis.”
Linda shares a story about John, who recently had to spend hours looking for his mother’s power of attorney documentation after she fell and became injured.
“Not only did he waste considerable time trying to find them, his mom couldn’t be properly taken care of because there was a waiting period until he found them,” Linda shares. “The whole thing could have been avoided if he had known where her paperwork was.”
So if you’re a parent with a will, a durable power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney and a living will, make an appointment with Linda and Jay to discuss where your original documents are and who should have the original copies of them. It won’t cost you a thing, and your effort to plan could end up saving considerable time when and if you ever have an emergency.
Nabors & Nabors offers Mimi readers a free legal services consultation in person or on the phone, with services at a contracted discount rate. Mention this story when you schedule an appointment. House calls and select evening appointments available.
Where shouldn’t you keep your documents? Just ask Jay and Linda.
To reach the attorneys at Nabors & Nabors Ltd., with John J. Urban of counsel, call 440-846-0000, ext. 227. The offices are located at 11221 Pearl Road, in Strongsville. Visit the website at Nabors-Law.com.