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To show our appreciation for the daily sacrifices of firefighters, police officers, and EMTs, the Washington First Responder Will Clinic provides free Wills, Health Care Directives, and Powers of Attorney to eligible Washington first responders and their spouses or state-registered domestic partners.
These documents are important to have in place -- here's why.
Why do I need a Will? If you do not have a Will, state law determines who gets the money and property you leave behind when you die (this is called your "estate"). This law may not do what you want; having a Will is how you get to decide who your beneficiaries are. You can also decide, if you have children who will inherit from you, when you want them to access their inheritance. You can also name the guardians you would want to raise your children in the unlikely event that something happens to both parents. Your Will also designates a personal representative who is responsible to manage your estate. Without a Will, a court would appoint someone to serve in this role-and that may be someone you don't trust or whose involvement might create conflict among loved ones. Why do I need a Health Care Directive? Preparing a health-care directive now allows you to direct your doctors and explain to your loved ones what kind of care you want if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious (for example, brain dead). You decide whether you want extraordinary measures (such as ventilators, feeding tubes, or IV fluids) to artificially extend your life or prefer to decline those measures so you can die naturally. A health-care directive allows you to put these decisions in writing in case you are unable to communicate them when they need to be made. Without this directive, your loved ones would have to make difficult decisions without critical guidance from you. Why do I need Powers of Attorney? At some point, you might need someone to make health-care decisions for you or to take care of your financial affairs, or possibly both. With a durable power of attorney, you can name someone you trust to act for you if the need arises. The person who makes medical decisions talks with your doctors and decides what treatment to authorize. The person who handles your financial affairs gets access to your bank accounts and financial information so they can pay your bills and make other critical financial decisions for you. These documents are meant to help you avoid a court process and formal guardianship or conservatorship. Signing a durable power of attorney is faster, easier, and far less costly. Am I eligible?
There are two basic eligibility requirements.
What if I am not eligible?
The Washington State Bar Association has resources for finding legal assistance, including links to attorney referral services from several local county bar associations - scroll to "Local Attorney Referral Services." Trusted friends, family, and professional advisors may also be a good source for referrals. The Clinic is unable to make referrals to private attorneys. |
