I am REALLY in a bind!

“I am really in a bind… my father is very ill and we don’t have a Will or a Power of Attorney. The Doctors say he might not make it through the rest of the week. Can you help?”

Sadly, I get this question far, far too often. In fact, it is probably the most common plea for emergency assistance that I receive. And it doesn’t have to happen – ever.

We all have busy lives. I know that. You know that. Attending to the preparation of a Will, an Enduring Power of Attorney and a Personal Directive seem like tasks that can wait until next month, or perhaps the month after. Yes… yes…, once the kids are back in school, or after this next big presentation at work, or heaven knows… once the mother-in-law goes back to Saskatoon, I will get around to those legal documents then, I promise! The problem is, for many people they never do get around to it… until that one day you get a panicked phone call from a family member advising you to come as soon as you can because there isn’t much time left.

Suddenly, getting to those legal documents is of the utmost importance. Who can you call? Does anyone know a good lawyer? What was the name of that guy your friend used who does Wills… I wonder if he will do a meeting at the hospital – “I am really in a bind… my father is very ill and we don’t have a…”

The truth of the matter is that preparation of an estate plan doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is don’t put it off until the very last minute. In fact, a great number of my clients marvel at the end of the process that they feel like they should have done this sooner. Once we get into the swing of the planning and start to discuss some of the options and variations that exist in a good plan, clients really get into it!

The key is: getting started. It’s that simple. Get started - phone or email me today and I will send you some easy to complete checklists that will help you organize your thoughts. No cost. No obligation. Nothing to lose except the stress forced upon your family members when they have to make that dreadful call - “Come quick, dad is very ill and the doctors are asking about a personal directive…. Do you know anything about that?”

Rolland C. Lequier, Barrister & Solicitor at Elite Counsel

rolland@elitecounsel.com

403–264-0036