As a Santa Rosa Beach estate planning attorney, I know Generation Y has a lot to think about . . . starting your careers, buying your first home, starting a family.  All of these things are beginnings, so it’s a rare day when someone in this generation wants to think about The End.  But there are four reasons why you need to:

  1.  You need a plan in the event that you become disabled or incapacitated.  Unfortunately, tragedies happen every day.  And you are not immune to them because you are young.  If something happens to you and you are no longer able to make decisions regarding your own financial, legal, and medical affairs you’ll need to make sure that there are basic documents in place such as medical directive, power of attorney and HIPAA authorization so someone can.
  2. You need to ensure your assets are passed according to your wishes.  You might be asking, “What assetts?”  Even if you do not yet own your own home, you need to consider IRAs, retirment accounts and life insurance accounts offered through your employer.  You need to make sure that beneifciaries are named in the right way to make sure that the people you want to leave them to get maximum benefit.
  3. You need to name guardians for your kids.  If you have children, you simply must name guardians.  You should be the one who decides who will raise them if you are no longer around.  You do not want this decision left to squabbling relatives or to a court system who doesn’t know you or your child.
  4. You need to plan for your pets.  If you have a pet, chances are they are a big part of your life.  They are totally devoted to you and also totally dependent on you.  Have you stopped to think what might happen to them if something were to happen to you?  If you want to make sure your companion is cared for if the unexpected happens, you could choose to put together a plan for their continued care.  The plan may include directions about feeding, medical care, and other needs along with funds necessary to provide for your pet’s support and to compensate the caretaker.

The scenarios above are just a few to consider when deciding if you need a will or trust.  I encourage you to speak with an estate planning lawyer – only then will you have the peace of mind of knowing that you are fully protected.