After a relative dies or suddenly becomes incapacitated, relatives are often confronted with difficult questions. The effort required to clarify these questions would be minimal. Creating documents like a living will, advance directive, and will can help your family and loved ones know your wishes in emergencies. Having these documents does not take long and only requires paper, pen, and a laptop.
If you want to deviate from the distribution key provided by law in your will, you can use an online will calculator to determine how your inheritance will be divided. Organizations like Swiss Mountain Aid and DeinAdieu.ch offer will generators to help you create a legal document. It’s important to keep your will updated whenever there are significant changes in your life, such as births, marriages, or medical diagnoses.
An advance directive is necessary in cases of temporary or permanent incapacitation to make decisions. This document allows you to appoint someone to represent you in medical and financial matters. Creating a legally binding advance directive also requires handwritten documentation and can be done using templates provided by institutions like the Swiss Red Cross.
A living will is essential for stating your medical preferences in the event of serious illness or incapacity. You can use online forms to create a living will, detailing your values and medical instructions. It’s crucial to inform your family members, doctor, and trusted individuals about your living will to ensure your wishes are followed in emergencies. The Red Cross advisor recommends staying calm and communicating your wishes to prevent confusion in difficult situations.
In the third phase of life, many people face challenges related to social, financial, and health issues. Planning for old age involves making decisions about pension savings, investments, and care options. Understanding the financial aspects of aging is crucial for maintaining stability in retirement. NZZ’s series “Finances in Old Age” addresses these important topics to help individuals navigate their later years with confidence.