Richmond Estate Planning Attorneys

Many people fear relinquishing control as they grow older and become incapable of managing certain affairs. However, by proactively establishing a plan for the future, people are capable of having more control over how future affairs are handled. The Richmond law office of Jennings and Jennings offers experienced guidance to individuals and families in developing effective estate plans, including plans which designate powers of attorney. Contact Jennings and Jennings to discuss your options with an experienced estate planning lawyer.

Proactively Plan for the Future

It is a fact of life that as people age, many become incapable of managing financial affairs, medical affairs or other affairs on their own. While some people suffer from Alzheimer's disease or dementia, others simply lose mental capacity as a result of natural progression. Regardless of the cause, doctors and family members must know how to proceed and manage routine matters. Without proper documentation in place, your family may need to petition for guardianship and decisions may be made that you would not have made.

The estate planning attorneys at Jennings and Jennings help clients evaluate their wishes and establish powers of attorney should they ever become incapable of making decisions on their own:

• Durable power of attorney: You may appoint a loved one to manage your financial affairs, such as paying bills or handling property issues, in the event that you become incapable of managing such affairs. By appointing this individual now, you can control who is given this authority and provide them guidance on how they should exercise it.
• Medical power of attorney (advance medical directive): You may appoint a loved one to manage your medical affairs, such as medication issues, doctor visits and major health care decisions, in the event that you become mentally incapacitated and incapable of managing such affairs. By drafting this document you maintain control over who is named and you can give them direction on your wishes.

To learn more about powers of attorney or advance directives in Virginia, or to speak with an experienced estate planning lawyer at our firm, contact Jennings and Jennings.

A Richmond, Virginia, family law firm since 1961