Are You Setting Up Your Family For a Feud?

Since 1976 (with brief blackouts), Family Feud has been providing entertainment based around family unity.The game show premise has family members working together to come up with the right answers. While members may dispute, the time restrictions mandate a quick consensus.Sometimes families find themselves in similar circumstances when a loved one has not made known their health wishes. If there is no directive in place and someone becomes unable to make healthcare decisions, family members may be forced to make difficult choices under the burden of consensus and time restrictions.

Avoid Tragedy

Let us introduce you to the Advance Directive which allows you to specify choose who will make medical decisions for you and what choices you would prefer in the event that you are unable to make them for yourself. According to Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General,

Anyone can wind up hurt or sick and unable to make decisions about medical treatments. An Advance Directive speaks for you if you are unable to and helps make sure your religious and personal beliefs are respected. It is a useful legal document for an adult of any age to plan for future health care needs.

The Attorney General points out that in the absence of a directive it is usually next of kin who is called on to step in and make decisions and, while that may suit you, it could put that person in a difficult position with other family members.

“An advanced directive could make things easier for your loved ones by helping to prevent misunderstandings or arguments about your care.”

Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General kindly provides the template for the “Maryland Advance Directive: Planning for Future Health Care Decisions”and includes instructions for preparation, execution and implementation, as well as “Frequently Asked Questions.”

This document incorporates HIPPA language and should ideally be notarized.

Medallion is always happy to provide notary services to our clients.

At Medallion Financial Group, we believe financial planning is about Family. We have been helping families invest in the future since 1987 through a holistic planning approach. We recognize there are a variety of needs when it comes to retirement planning, plan rollovers, annuities, college planning, life insurance options, and investment management. It is easy to get lost in a sea of choices. Our financial advisors help with the basics and beyond to enable our clients to get the education, advice and management they need to retire with confidence.

Our focus is twofold: first and foremost, we are fiduciary advisors. We stand against any violation of laws, values, and ethics. Second, we treat our clients as part of our family, not only those who call Maryland and Georgia home, but clients across the US who have benefited from our reputation of personal service, integrity, and expertise.

We strive to exceed client’s expectations – because we have high expectations of ourselves.

in Insurance by Medallion Group Sep 23, 2016