National preparedness month: be ready for the unpredictable

The unpredictable can occur at any time: fires, hurricanes, pandemics, floods, earthquakes – you name it. Since September is National Preparedness Month, it’s a good time to consider the following questions about your estate plan to help protect the people and possessions you value most.

1. Are your documents secure? It is critical that your important legal documents be kept secure in a weatherproof safe or container. Likewise, documents regarding property ownership and identity should be stored away from exposure to dangerous elements such as fire, floods, and wind. When the dust settles, you will need your important paperwork to help get you through difficult times.
2. Are your documents up to date? One unfortunate but common mistake is the failure to keep important estate planning documents current. People often forget to periodically review and update their documents after receiving them. As a result, outdated estate planning documents frequently cause confusion because they describe a situation that is no longer applicable.
3. Do people know where to find your documents? Making your important documents accessible is crucial. Having plans in place are of little value if no one can find them. There are a number of ways you can provide accessibility without significantly impacting security. A simple option is to keep the original documents in your home in a location you have disclosed to another family member, and keep a copy of the documents at a location other than your home in case your home is inaccessible. You can also utilize technology and have digital copies available regardless of where you may be.
4. Is your insurance adequate and current? Insurance is a tool that must be monitored and maintained as your family and wealth change. Review your insurance policy to make sure it adequately covers you, your family, and your possessions in the event of a crisis. If you have previously witnessed natural disasters or emergencies, these experiences can provide valuable insight to help you ensure that your policies will protect you against the recurrence of these events.
5. Should you have a rider on your existing insurance policy? Insurance riders provide additional flexibility and features to your current insurance policy with options that provide various levels of value depending upon your lifestyle and needs. For example, many policies offer a “waiver of premium” rider that creates a mechanism for continued payment of insurance premiums in the event you become disabled and are no longer able to make the payments. This means that your insurance coverage will not lapse due to your disability. There are other insurance riders, like the accidental death rider that applies if you die as a result of an accident. Most deaths and unpredictable events do not fall under the category of an accident, however, thus rendering this particular rider unprofitable in most instances. Either way, exploring the available rider options can ensure that you have customized a plan into something that works for you and your unique situation.

Disasters and emergencies are inevitable, but we can better position ourselves to remain calm in the midst of crisis if we plan ahead. When reviewing these questions, remember that you are not alone. The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier is ready to assist you and can work with your trusted advisors to ensure that your important documents are up to date and best reflect your needs and wants. Give us a call today. We can schedule an appointment to discuss ways that we can help support you and your family to protect the people, possessions, and values that mean the most to you.