Estate plans have a variety of uses, and many Massachusetts residents may only know the surface benefits of such plans. Though individuals can create wills to distribute property, they can also utilize their plans to address guardianships or conservatorships that may be necessary after their deaths. Addressing the need for such appointments ahead of time could prove crucial to many people.
If a person needs a guardian, he or she requires someone else to make personal health-related decisions. These decisions may relate to treatment of physical ailments or issues regarding mental health. If a parent or other party knows that a child or another loved one may need a guardian later in life, an estate plan can help move the process of guardian appointment along.
Similarly, some individuals may need conservators. The main difference between a conservator and a guardian is that a conservator handles property and financial necessities of a person rather than health aspects. In many cases, these roles can significantly help surviving family who may have special needs.
Because many people do not want their loved ones’ needs left up to chance, using estate plans to create guardianships and/or conservatorships may help Massachusetts residents feel more at ease. If interested, parties may wish to discuss their options and gain more information on these potential appointments by speaking with experienced attorneys. Additional knowledge could help parents and other individuals determine the best ways to ensure the care of their surviving family. An estate planning lawyer can help address these needs.
Source: thetimesherald.com, “Estate plans: Who does what and when?“, Matthew Wallace, April 28, 2017
