Planning for incapacity because we never know

When it comes to estate planning, most people automatically think about only a will or trust to ensure the right people inherit their stuff when they die. Although that thought is not wrong, it also leaves out a very important piece of planning for life. Consider that at some point before your eventual death, you could be incapacitated by accident or illness.

Like death, each of us is at constant risk of experiencing a devastating accident or illness so we are incapable of caring for ourselves. But unlike death, incapacity comes with an uncertain outcome and timeframe. This uncertainty is what makes incapacity planning so important. And incapacity can be a far greater burden for your loved ones than your death.

Where to start