Coping With Terminal Illness: Getting Your Affairs in Order

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, there are many things to deal with. You’ll likely be in shock, processing emotions, and wondering what you need to do to get your affairs in order. This situation will be stressful, and you may not be thinking clearly. It might help to have an idea of what tasks should be addressed.

What Should You Do First?

It will be beneficial to make a checklist of everything you’ll need to do to get your affairs in order. Several websites have suggestions, so doing some research may assure you that you do not forget anything important.

One of the most emotional aspects of a terminal illness is deciding how and when to tell loved ones about the diagnosis. The conversations will be difficult for all involved; However, it may be helpful to think of it as an essential step towards getting the support you will need and providing your loved ones with an opportunity to discuss your wishes and how they can assist you.

What Else Should You Do?

It’s a good idea to document everything you can, such as your health care and financial preferences. Your situation may require specific tasks, but there are several things that most people with terminal illnesses should consider:

• Decide how your medical care will be addressed — you may need to be hospitalized, placed in a nursing facility, or under hospice care. You might choose to enact a living will, which is a legal document containing your healthcare choices.
• Consider naming powers of attorney — the chances are that you may not be able to make difficult decisions during the advanced stages of your illness. You should choose someone to act on your behalf who will keep your wishes and best interests in mind.
• Plan your estate — consult with an estate planning attorney at Leydorf Law Firm to create or update a will, name trustees, executors, and guardians, and draw up other necessary legal documents.
• Dispense with assets — As part of your estate planning, be sure to plan for ownership transfers. This should also include any necessary transfers of business ownership.
• Examine your finances — there will be medical bills, so a payment strategy will be very helpful to your loved ones.
• Gather important documents — it will be easier for your family to have all your financial and legal papers in one place. These documents can include statements and a list of financial accounts, any deeds and titles, your will and other legal documents, insurance policies, and a master list of all your contacts.
• Make funeral arrangements — although this can be incredibly emotional, having your funeral planned will save your loved ones from wondering about what you want. You can also pay for your funeral and burial in advance.

It is crucial for at least one person to have access to all these documents. You might also involve that person in your planning and discuss your decisions with them.

How Can You Help Your Survivors?

If you are able, you should assist your loved ones in dealing with your loss. For example:

• Use an online tool to evaluate home prices in your area and help to accurately estimate your property’s value, which can be useful both for financial aspects of your will and in preparation to sell your home after your passing.
• Help them be prepared to disclose a death in the residence if the circumstances and state law require it.
• You might investigate inheritance taxes by consulting an accountant.
• Gather photos and create a slideshow for your memorial service.

Why Should You Do This?

Immediately after your passing is not a good time for your survivors to think about what they need to do. Approaching your end-of-life arrangements in an organized way will help both you and your loved ones during this difficult time.

In need of legal help to guide you through the process? Leydorf Law Firm can help. Contact us today.