If you die without a will, the State of Texas has a plan for your assets, with no regard to what you may have intended. If you want to be in control of where your assets and your personal possessions will be distributed when you die, a will is essential.

Staff Council invites you to join us from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, in Lou’s Place for “Wills, Trusts and Medical Power of Attorney,” a special event in coordination with Financial Literacy Month.

We encourage you to join this discussion with Patti Gearhart Turner, chief of staff/general counsel at Texas Wesleyan. Staff will be on hand to assist with advanced directive documentation.

Sadly, almost every day, people are involved in life-threatening car accidents driving to and from work and may be rendered unconscious for a prolonged period of time.  What happens to them when they aren’t able to make medical and personal decisions for themselves during this time?

This is one extreme example of why we need to plan ahead - and let others know what our plans are, but many lesser life occurrences also necessitate advanced planning.

Have you documented your wishes concerning medical treatment in the event you are unable to make decisions for yourself? Have you appointed someone to make medical decisions for you while you are unable to make decisions? What wishes do you have for end-of-life health considerations? Do you want to be kept alive on life-sustaining equipment? Stories of Terri Schiavo and Marlise Munoz should caution all of us to plan ahead.

Don’t miss this special Staff Council presentation so you can be prepared when you need it most.