In 2010, OFP Attorney Jenn Crane had the privilege of representing a retired United States Marine. He and his beloved wife had led good lives, full of hard work and devotion to one another and to their country. They had their health, the nest egg they needed to retire comfortably at a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Northern Virginia, and they were looking forward to fulfilling days with their fur babies and hobbies.
The one thing our former Marine and his wife didn’t plan for: the Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly, Covid claimed the life of our marine’s beloved wife of a half century, and his world unraveled. While he and his wife hadn’t seen Jenn in a few years, our marine relied heavily on the planning work they’d done, those ten years ago, to shepherd him through the process of administering his wife’s estate.
That reliance became even more crucial when our marine fell ill. His health had been in decline for some time, and, unbeknownst to those around him, he’d faced challenges managing his finances. These hurdles culminated in a tangled web of issues. Because our marine and his wife had taken the time to interview professional fiduciaries – companies named in an estate plan who serve under the documents if you’re ever unable to act on your own behalf – he had access to the help he needed when he needed it. Or, in his words, “They took the red binder that held the Trust and used it to flip a switch.” The trustee took that tangled web and untangled it so our marine could focus on healing and getting back to his old self.
And get back to his old self he did! Jenn just had the greatest privilege of her professional career – helping her Marine ring in his 100th birthday. Oorah!
Take time today to plan for tomorrow’s uncertainties. Contact an Estate Planning Attorney at OFP at 703-218-2100.