Families Should Consider Legal Checkups

Alan Kopit, lawyers.com Legal Editor

Research from lawyers.com indicates Americans don't
know enough about legal issues

The modern American family no longer fits a traditional model. Families are changing faster than the law can sometimes keep up.

Americans point to divorce as the biggest factor hurting families today, outpacing other changes in family structure such as same-sex or dual-career couples, according to a new survey conducted by Harris Interactive for Martindale-Hubbell's lawyers.com from LexisNexis, in conjunction with REDBOOK.

The unease that many U.S. adults feel about non-traditional family arrangements could be compounded by their lack of familiarity with legal concerns that affect families. The survey shows that 85 percent say they are somewhat or not at all knowledgeable about basic family law issues.

Make an Appointment for a Legal Checkup

"It's a good idea for all adults to get a legal checkup every three to five years - or sooner if you've had a major life event like having a child - just like you'd see a doctor for a physical," said Alan Kopit, legal editor for lawyers.com. Lawyers.com is the most comprehensive and trustworthy online resource for finding lawyers and legal information.

Whether you're ready to hire a lawyer or have a long-standing relationship with one, you should discuss these three things:

• Protect your kids. Even if you don't have lots of money, it's a good idea to make a will saying who you would like to take care of your kids in case anything happens to you. If you travel, consider giving someone the power to make medical decisions for your children in an emergency.
• Protect your property. A will can make sure your property goes to the person you want to have it, in the case of your death. This is especially important if you're not legally married. Double-check the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies and retirement savings to make sure they agree. If you're getting married, consider a prenuptial agreement to cover any assets. If you're living together, you can make a co-habitation agreement defining your financial arrangements.
• Protect your health. Designate the person you want to make health care decisions for you if you can't. This is known as a health care power of attorney. A living will states how you want end-of-life decisions made. This way you will know your wishes are understood.