A New Year, A Good Game Plan
Attorney Jordan McIntyre
January is college football championship season. The teams still playing aren’t guessing their way through the game; they’re following a plan that was built long before kickoff.
At McIntyre Elder Law, we see the same principle apply to families. The ones who avoid confusion, conflict, and court involvement aren’t just fortunate: they planned ahead.
Estate planning is your family’s game plan.
What Estate Planning Really Means
Many people think estate planning is just about what happens after death. In reality, it is just as much about what happens while you are living.
A good estate plan answers important questions ahead of time:
- Who handles finances if I can’t?
- Who makes medical decisions for me?
- How do I make my wishes clear so my family isn’t left guessing?
- What happens to my property when I’m gone?
When these questions are answered in advance, families can focus on care and peace of mind, not paperwork and stress.
Calling the Plays for Your Finances (GDPOA)
A General Durable Power of Attorney (GDPOA) allows you to choose someone you trust to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so.
This can include paying bills, managing bank accounts, handling property, and dealing with everyday financial tasks. Without a GDPOA, even well-meaning family members may be forced to go to court just to help.
At McIntyre Elder Law, we make sure this document is clear, effective, and tailored to your situation.
Choosing Your Medical Decision-Maker (HCPOA)
A Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) lets you decide who speaks for you if you cannot communicate with doctors yourself.
This avoids confusion and conflict during medical emergencies and ensures your care is guided by someone who understands your wishes, not by default rules or disagreements among family members.
Putting Your Wishes in Writing (Living Will)
A Living Will, also called an advance directive, allows you to put your medical wishes in writing.
This document takes pressure off your loved ones during emotional moments and provides clear guidance when difficult decisions must be made. It is one of the most important gifts you can give your family.
Keep Things Clear After You're Gone (Last Will & Testament)
A Last Will and Testament explains:
- Who receives your property
- Who is in charge of handling your estate
- How matters should be handled after your passing
Without a will, state law makes these decisions for you. A properly drafted will keeps things simpler, faster, and more orderly for your loved ones.
Thinking Long-Term (Trusts)
For many families, trusts are part of a strong long-term strategy.
Trusts can help:
- Keep assets organized
- Provide structure for loved ones
- Reduce delays and complications
- Carry out your wishes over time
Trusts are not just for large estates: they are tools for clarity, control, and peace of mind when used properly.
Why January Is The Right Time to Review
The New Year is when people naturally review finances, goals, and priorities. It’s also the perfect time to review estate planning documents.
Life changes:
- Children grow up
- Relationships evolve
- Assets change
- Health situations shift
Even a well-written plan should be reviewed periodically to make sure it still works the way you expect.
McIntyre Elder Law Can Help
Championship teams don’t wait until the final minutes to get organized. They prepare early so everyone knows their role when it matters most.
At McIntyre Elder Law, our goal is simple:
to help families create clear, practical estate plans that work when they are needed most.
This January, make sure you have a good game plan in place.
📍 Offices in Shelby, Charlotte, and Hendersonville
📞 Call us at 1-888-999-6600
🌍 Visit our website: www.mcelderlaw.com
Don’t wait until it’s too late—take control of your future today!
Attorney Jordan McIntyre
Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney
McIntyre Elder Law
Hendersonville, NC
