I have written in earlier blogs about both Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney and the importance of having these set up. When I worked as a Social Worker, I worked with many people who did not have either and this can cause significant difficulties for anyone in the event that they cannot act for themselves.
There are options for anyone who dies ‘intestate’ which means they do not have a Will, but ultimately if the person who dies does not have a Will and someone could not be found, the estate could end up going to Inland Revenue Department. I’m sure those of us who have worked long and hard to be where we are today financially, this would be the last place we might wish to benefit from our estates.
Making a Will with a lawyer and also setting up Enduring Powers of Attorney are an important way to ensure that your wishes and your voice are heard if/when you are unable to speak for yourself. It is a way of taking control of your life – at least from a legal perspective – at a time perhaps when you cannot control so much. We cannot control our way out of a Parkinson’s diagnosis, but we can control who gains from our estate and who we trust to look after our estate.
If you are able to, I recommend popping into the two podcasts that I have done with Louise Taylor who is a well-respected lawyer here in Christchurch New Zealand. However, be aware that she is talking about legal matters in a New Zealand context and the law may differ in the country in which you reside.
My journey with Parkinsons 