Law Office of Margaret Ward, PLLC

But rarely is it a good option.  When you don’t make your own plan, you’re handing the reins over to Arkansas state law.

If you’re incapacitated and need someone to make decisions for you, the law says a judge will decide who that will be.  And whoever it is will have to report to the judge, even if it’s a member of your family.

At your death, state law will determine who inherits your money and property.  And it may not work out the way you would have liked, especially for blended families, unmarried partners, parents and grandparents of individuals with special needs or substance abuse problems….the list goes on.  I want to make my own decisions, and I think you do, too.

What decisions can you make? How do you make sure your decisions are respected? There are many legal options for different types of decisions. In a consultation with me, you will learn what your options are and how to make your decisions stick.

I don’t know how many times in the last days and weeks I’ve thought about doing something, but, “Wait – I can’t do that now. I’ll do it later, when everything is back to normal.”

One thing that doesn’t have to wait is tending to your estate plan.

Over the years, at least 90% of my clients have said some variation of “I’ve needed to do this for a long time.” Usually, it’s some life event that has gotten them started.

Life right now – the Covid-19 experience – is unlike anything we’ve seen before. In some ways, life is in a freeze frame. But, in other ways, life goes on.

If you are thinking about creating or updating your estate plan, there is no need to put it off. You and I can still have our meetings, and we can get your estate plan taken care of, all while keeping our social distance.

Call, text, or email me today and let’s get one thing off your list of things to do. It’s time.

(Margaret and her husband are the proud parents of two sons – “Tater”, who is a young adult with Autism, and “Spud”, who is a student at UA – Fayetteville.)

Our family’s story revolves around our two sons, “Tater” and “Spud”.  Both of them are terrific humans.  Spud, the younger of the two, is happy, healthy, and (soon to be) self-supporting.  We are proud of every milestone he accomplishes.

The path for Tater, our older son, couldn’t be more different from his brother’s.  Tater is a young adult with Autism and CP.  Born prematurely, he has fought harder and been tougher than any other person I know.  He is happy living on his own and making his own rules.  We are proud of every milestone he accomplishes.

As an attorney, I can help families like mine with our most common legal needs:  estate planning (including wills, trusts, and special needs trusts), guardianship, and related services.  I have been on both sides – I’ve been the parent looking for help, and I’ve been the attorney helping families identify their options and choose what’s best.  I would be honored to help your family.