Protect What Matters Most To You

By Jaclyn Quinn, Esq.

Deputy Director at DCRAC

Often, the word “lawyer” or “attorney” makes one think of conflict, money, and stress. The experience can be quite the opposite! Legal services can be easy to understand and handle. They can ensure you are protected and managing your affairs properly. With a variety of services available at varying price points, it is important to understand your needs and type of services. Two areas of law that can have an enormous impact on your life and are either overlooked or postponed involve matters that hit close to home. 

Estate Planning and Small Business Representation are often foregone for varying reasons: you might think you don’t have enough money or assets to draw up a will, or because your family structure is complicated, or because “my family gets along really well.” For Small Business owners legal services are too often an afterthought because they take time and money away from the core business. 

You don’t need a will but those left behind to handle your affairs will 

Of course you will never die, but if it does happen, how will: Your 30-year-old daughter access your bank account to pay expenses? Your 35-year-old son sell your car? Your sister take custody of your minor child and see to medical and educational needs? Your family sell your home or talk to your landlord about your lease? Your brother file your tax return?

Absent a valid will, the state intestacy statute dictates the distribution of your assets. When you execute a will, YOU dictate. You deserve the choice to leave your loved ones your gifts as you see fit. If you are like most of us, you think carefully about what gifts to buy and when, and this is the time of planning the ultimate gift, your very last possessions. Don’t pass up the opportunity to name an Executor of your estate, someone you trust to handle your affairs with a high duty of care, responsibility, and best of intentions. If you have minor children, your work in appointing a guardian and trustee for your minors is regarded with strong deference by the courts should the need arise to examine guardianship. 

A Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directive should also be part of your suite of planning documents. These documents allow you to appoint agents to assist you while you are alive but in need of some help. The Power of Attorney allows you to name an agent who can represent your financial interests: duties could include paying bills, signing checks, calling the IRS, filing your taxes, and managing investments. Your Advance Healthcare Directive allows you to appoint a healthcare agent to help with coordinating doctor’s appointments, consenting to treatment, signing in and out of a facility, and making medical decisions. 

Don’t skimp on business services

Business owners pour their heart and soul into their business often making decisions as they arise and figuring out how to get to the “next”: next payroll, next monthly bill, next client, next project, next ad, next contract. In these constant efforts, practices such as liability review, contract review and risk assessments don’t receive the attention they deserve. Build from a firm foundation. When forming a business, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney about the entity type. Sometimes, a Limited Liability Company is the logical choice, while other times a partnership or Corporation meets the needs of the business. The bottom line is to start planning early: from selecting entity type to choosing insurance products and executing contracts, protect yourself and your business from unnecessary risk. 

For however much we wish to live in sunny times, a rainy day always comes along. Visit DCRAC LAW to learn how we may be able to assist with excellent service at affordable rates.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please call (302) 298-3251 or email Jaclyn at [email protected]. 

Bio

Jaclyn Quinn is licensed to practice law in Delaware. As an advocate and dedicated professional, Jaclyn is always ensuring her clients’ needs are met. Her office is located at 600 South Harrison Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19805.

Testimonial

“Thank you for your helpfulness in preparing our wills. Believe me, Fred and I will be able to live more contently knowing things are in order.”~ Carol & Fred F.