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Being proactive now can benefit you later.
The new year is the perfect time to set goals and plan to accomplish them! From planning your estate to knowing your rights in a sticky situation, here are the top 5 tips to start the year with more legal confidence.
1. Double-check your important documents.
Do you know where your birth certificate is? This is just one example of crucial legal paperwork you want to keep organized and updated. It’s critical to know the details and location of these documents, in case you need to quickly reference them for legal procedures. Check this list of other essential legal documents to see if you are missing or falling behind on any of these:
1. Will
2. Advance Directive
3. Social Security card
4. Passport
5. Power of Attorney
6. Marriage certificate
2. Update your legal papers.
Once you know the whereabouts of your crucial legal documents, make sure they are up to date. Your life can quickly change, and your personal papers must reflect those changes. Have any of these events happened to you in the last year or two?
1. Marriage
2. Divorce
3. Birth/adoption of a child
4. Death of a spouse or close family member that affects your assets
5. Sale or purchase of a large item, such as a house or car
6. Illness
These and other major life events can indicate that it may be time to update your Will, insurance policies, and other legal documentation. When you accurately state your assets and wishes in your personal paperwork, you help secure the future of your property and loved ones. It’s best to work with a lawyer to ensure you clearly understand and communicate each point in your paperwork.
3. Discuss your natural disaster or emergency plan with your family.
Natural emergencies such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes can wreak havoc on your home, health, finances and more. Even if you live in a part of the country where natural disasters are rare, you never know when flooding or wildfire could hit your home.
Of course, the first step is knowing what you will do to protect yourself and your loved ones should a natural disaster strike. Next, have a secure place to store important documents, such as a fireproof folder or an at-home safe. Tell your trusted loved ones where these papers are and what they communicate. It’s best to have a plan of action to prepare for the worst, helping you live more confidently all year.
4. Create or update a financial plan and budget with goals and check- ins to reference them for legal procedures down the road.
Working toward financial wellness is one of the surest ways to protect yourself—mentally, physically, and legally! Broadly plan a budget for the year, then set more manageable goals for each month or week. Schedule check-ins to remember to ascertain your financial state at certain times of the year. If you already have financial problems, let a lawyer help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities in handling these issues.
5. Understand your rights as a citizen when dealing with law enforcement.
Most of us don’t plan to have a run-in with the law. But let’s face it: None of us are perfect, and you may find yourself in an unforeseen situation with law enforcement. This is when must know your rights. It’s also crucial for you to have a lawyer ready and available to help should you find yourself in a sticky legal emergency.
When you make full use of your LegalShield Benefit, a provider lawyer can review paperwork, draft letters, make phone calls, explain legal rights and expectations, and even assist in court for covered legal matters (check your specific plan for coverage details). From estate planning to adoption and consumer law, a LegalShield provider law firm is in your corner.