Dec 08 2008
Manic Monday: Light
Image from Kickstock Free Images; Prompt by Mo of Manic Monday
Before any of us steps into the light at the end of the path, there is something that we all should do, we all probably think about, and we all probably keep putting off. For any family with children, but most especially those of us with special needs children, a will should be very high on our priority lists. Unfortunately, most of us just keep putting it off indefinitely. According to a Money Magazine article in 2005, after 9/11, less than 25% of the victims had wills prepared.
A very basic will, one that pretty much only names guardians and says ’sell all my stuff’ could cost as little as $300 (per person); a fully detailed will might run around $500. Some attorneys may offer discounts for preparing wills for couples. You can simply name a guardian (Be nice and let them know you’re doing it first!) an alternate guardian, and an executor.
In addition, although it may not be legally binding, you can also prepare a letter spelling out all your wishes for the care of your special needs child. No matter who you choose as a guardian, no one knows your child’s needs like you do, but the guardian would be greatly helped by having as much guidance as possible. What are your feelings about education? Medication? Institutionalization? The more information you provide, the better.
A small investment and some simple steps could protect your child from landing in foster care in the event of any dispute about who has rights to him or her or them. Not the most cheery thing to think about, but necessary. What are we all waiting for?
Here’s my challenge to you: if you are a parent, special needs or typical child- doesn’t matter, and you don’t have a will, before the end of the year, at least make some calls and start the process of having one made. You’ll feel better when you do. If you already have a will, when was the last time you updated it?
As the great sages of Poltergeist once said: “Do NOT go into the light. Stop where you are. Turn away from it. Don’t even look at it.” At least not until you get your will in order.
