Author's Insights

Questions and Answers

Over the past several weeks I have had the opportunity to present the content of my organizer, When The Time Comes, to several different groups. With each presentation comes questions from individuals regarding the material or questions specific to their needs. Over the next few weeks I will share some of the questions asked.

Question: I have Power of Attorney (POA) papers but they were issued in another State. Are they still valid in Indiana?

Answer: Not all States recognize POA, Health Care Directives or other legal documents drawn up in other States. Check with a local attorney to see if the documents need to be rewritten.

Question: I want to be buried in another State but haven't decided which State I want my actual funeral in. How will this work?

Answer: Funeral homes are used to working with other funeral homes and cemeteries across State lines. All of this information should be recorded in the End of Life Questionnaire section of the organizer. Citing the name of the cemetery, location, contact information for cemetery, burial plot information (section/row) will greatly help the local funeral home in making these arrangements. Regarding where your funeral will be held – that is a discussion only you and your loved ones can decide. I would encourage a conversation with loved ones and/or your representative, sooner rather than later, to make this decision and then record the information in the organizer.

Question: My spouse said that we have a Will, POA and Health Care Directives already set up and that is all we need. Why should we complete the organizer?

Answer: All the legal documents you stated are very important and I encourage everyone to see an attorney to have these documents created. What the legal documents don't cover are all the other aspects of a persons life that need to be addressed prior to and after an incapacitating trauma/illness or a death occurs. This is the information that will take your family or representative months upon months to go through. Addressing insurance policies, banking and investment funds, household repairs, disbursement of smaller personal property, pets, military information, who to contact, burial information, closing credit cards, outstanding loans that you owe or that are owed to you, and your own wishes as to what you would like to happen as you near the end of your life. These are the difficult and most time consuming issues families/representatives will need to address on your behalf. Completing the organizer beforehand is a tremendous gift and legacy to leave your family

DISCLAIMER:  The author of When The Time Comes does not claim to be an expert in the fields of banking, investments, accounting, insurance, real estate or law. The author does not provide legal advice. The information contained in this binder comes from the personal experience of the author working with families and individuals over the past 40 years as a registered nurse, health advocate, POA, Guardian and through pastoral care. Readers are advised to contact experts in the respective fields listed in the binder for additional information.

© 2022 Carol Havens | All rights reserved
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