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January 3, 2012

Ask the Attorney Tips: Estate Planning FAQ

~ written by Charles H. McClenaghan, Attorney and Counselor at Law

Q. Why do I Need a Will and a Power of Attorney?

A. A will determines where you want your assets to go if you die. If you have minor children, it names who you want to be their guardian. One out of two marriages end in divorce. These issues are even more important if you have been divorced.

If you are in a non-traditional relationship, the law may not protect your wishes at all without a will.

A Power of Attorney names someone to handle your financial affairs if you become disabled or incapacitated. Since 1 OF 3 adults will have a disability or become incapacitated at some point in their adult life, this is a very important plan to have in place.

Each week, the Columbus Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service partners with WSYX-TV's 6 on Your Side to staff the "Ask the Attorney" program. Volunteer lawyers handle calls on everything from adoptions to zoning. Call "Ask the Attorney" with your legal question on Wednesdays between 5:00pm and 7:00pm at 614/481.6678.