Page 12 - LDBD Community Mailer Magazine - Vol. 2, Issue 1 - Jan Feb 2019

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Legal Talk

How to Start 2019 on Solid Legal Ground
by Attorney Wayne Gill
A new year is a time of fresh beginnings. No matter what’s past, now is the perfect time
to restart. This is true in each aspect of your life; whether it’s
your business, health, finances or even your legal affairs. A
new year is the best time to set your house in order.
This article offers three suggestions that (if followed) will
save you a small fortune in time, money, and frustration. If
you’ve already done these, then congratulations, you’re on
good ground legally. But if you haven’t, it’s time to get start-
ed!
Get a Will and a Living Will
I’m still shocked when I see families suffer because a loved one died with no will. A pass-
ing is stressful enough. Trying to decipher the dead person’s assets and wishes can put a
strain on a family that’s irreparable. The good news is this can be solved by filling out a
simple will.
A living will is different than your will which disposes of your assets. A living will sets
forth crucial directives as to who will have the last word on your care in case you’re inca-
pacitated and whether you want to be kept alive under certain circumstances. These are
life-changing decisions and so they should be dealt with prior to the need arising. Fortu-
nately, these forms are also straight-forward and can be created with ease.
Get Properly Insured
We live in a world where many people prefer to resolve their problems in a court room.
That is a reality we all must face. But you can protect yourself with insurance. That
means looking at your automobile, life insurance, renters, homeowners, business and
property insurance policies to make sure you’re properly protected.
I’ll never forget counseling a former client to purchase a life insurance policy. He had a
large family, but modest savings. I reminded him time and again to get the policy, but he
kept delaying. Eventually he got the policy, but died with the unsigned paperwork in his
pocket. Don’t let that happen to you. Get properly insured. You never know when time is
up!
Get It In Writing
This may apply more to business owners, but it’s true for others as well. Whatever legal
transaction you enter, be sure that it’s written down. I’ve seen many personal loans,
property transfers; business transfers and other highly important legal transactions go
unrecorded. This is a mistake, even if the deal is with family members or very close
friends.
Even in the best scenarios, things can go wrong, and you’ll need documentation to
properly assess everyone’s legal rights. Anything else is simply “He said-she said.” And
you already know that is legally insufficient.
I hope these short tips will help you position this year and the years ahead on your best
legal footing!
Wayne Gill is a business attorney, author and strategist.
He can be reached at www.gillattorneys.com or 855-445-5529.

12 | Jan Feb 2019 LIVING Day By Day•Net