How Will John McCain’s Diagnosis Affect His Estate Planning?

Terminal illnesses can give individuals an opportunity to get their affairs in order.

John McCain is a fighter.

He survived time as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam.

He served for decades in the government.

Now, he is predicted to lose his fight with brain cancer within a year.

According to a recent Wealth Advisor article titled “Nothing To Lose: Shock McCain "No" Is Unmistakable Legacy Call,” having such a prognosis allows for him to have time to tie up loose ends.

Did he have many to tie up?

Not with estate planning.

His finances seem to be in order with his wife set to inherit his money.

His family relationships seem to be peaceful.

Within his career, he may not have accomplished everything he desired.

But he accomplished a lot.

More than most people.

He truly left a legacy, endearing to some and aggravating to others.

What can you learn from the life of Senator John McCain?

You cannot predict your end.

You cannot waste time building your legacy.

Set goals both personally and professionally.

Regardless, your personal and professional goals with require you to consider estate planning.

Work with an experienced estate planning attorney to create a plan in alignment with your goals and the legacy you want to leave.

So, how do you find an "experienced" estate planning attorney?

First, ask around. Friends, family and other professional advisors are trustworthy sources.

Second, conduct an "organic" search on "Google" for "estate planning" near you (e.g., "Estate Planning Anytown MoKan").

Third, either way, verify! Check out the education, experience, ratings and client reviews of any attorney before you contact him or her.

How?

Two helpful online resources are just a mouse click away to assist with your due diligence:  Avvo.com and Lawyers.com.

Check any Avvo ratings, client ratings/testimonials and attorney endorsements on Avvo.com and any "peer ratings" by judges/other attorneys and any client ratings/testimonials on Lawyers.com.

In fact, I use both of these services to thoroughly vett attorneys before referring members of our "client" family for legal help in other areas of law or for matters in jurisdictions outside Kansas or Missouri.

Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.

For more information about estate planning in Overland Park, KS (and throughout the rest of Kansas and Missouri), visit our estate planning website and be sure to subscribe to our complimentary estate planning e-newsletter while you are there.

Reference: Wealth Advisor (September 25, 2017) “Nothing To Lose: Shock McCain "No" Is Unmistakable Legacy Call”