Estate Planning for First Responders

In a show of appreciation of the efforts and sacrifices of central Ohio police officers and firefighters, attorneys from the Columbus Bar Association Probate Law Committee, Harlan Lewis Chair, are teaming up with Judge Belskis and the Franklin County Probate Court to offer free estate plans for first responders. The program is providing basic estate planning documents for the first responder and their spouse. Those participating will receive wills, Financial Power of Attorney; Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney; Declaration for Disposition of Bodily Remains.

The first session was held on Wednesday April 23 at the Worthington Division of Police. By Memorial Day when the project is completed over 100 volunteers will have been nvolved and a about 300-400 hours of pro bono work will have been donated. The program was also supported by Alan Acker who generously made his estate planning software available to expedite the drafting (start to finish 1.5 hours per estate plan) Gordon Flesch Co. which provided photo copiers and paper, and Time Warner which provided free wireless internet access.

Judge Belskis estimated that 80% of the first responders did not have wills. Judge Belskis said, “By providing basic estate planning to our first responders, the Columbus Bar Association would show the participants that we, as lawyers, do appreciate their service and protection.”