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Legal BriefsChoose A Trust Instead Of A Will – In The Event Of Your IncapacityPBy Kathleen Cassidy Goodman, PLLCeople frequently select a Will over a Trust because they make the assumption that Trusts arereserved for only the wealthiest of people. This is not correct. Initially, a Trust may be more expensive to create; however, a Trust can eliminate or greatly reduce the costs associated with probating a Will at the time of your death by avoiding the need for probate. But a Trust offers many other advantages over a Will.One of the reasons many people prefer a Trust over a Will is that in the event of your incapacity, a Trust provides resources and direction that a Will and your Power of Attorney cannot provide. Essentially, with a Trust you continue to manage your property during your lifetime and designate how your property will be managed during your incapacity and upon your death. Similar to a Will, you are able to designate who will be in charge of your assets upon your death.But, the reason a Trust is preferable to a Will is in the event of your incapacity, you can set out specific instructions detailing what will happen when you no longer have mental capacity. In the event you are no longer able to articulate your desires, yourMAGNAPAINTINGYOUR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING EXPERTS$100 OFFAny Interior or Exterior Project of $1,000 or more!$200 OFFAny Interior or ExteriorProject of $2,000 or more!Must mention Highlights Newspapers. Call for details. Expires 4/30/24SCAN or CALL TODAY!(210) 326-9687Trust will dictate what will happen upon your incapacity with the rules you have outlined in your Trust.When you create your Trust, you can dictate the specific terms regarding your care. For example, you can direct your Trustee to allow you to remain in your home, be provided 24-hour care, allow your care- giver to take you to the movies or travel if possible. In your Trust you can direct that your utilities, cable, yard care, and groceries be paid for from your Trust. While a power of attorney may set out who makes your decisions, a Trust sets out not just who is in charge, but what that person must do to care for you in the event of your incapacity. With a Trust you don’t have to rely upon your POA’s discretion for your care, you can make your decisions in advance.Kathleen Cassidy Goodman is an attorney in areas of estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and business law. She can be reached at her office in Helotes at (210) 949-1000 or for more information, visit www.bexarlaw.comLIFETIME EDUCATORTERRICHIDGEYfor NEISD SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 6Bring A Respected Educator To The TableMy lifelong passion for the North East Independent School District includes a background as a former student, parent, and employee. I will bring my educational experience to the Single Member District 6 Board of Trustees.Throughout my roles as a teacher, principal, and executive director of both curriculum and performance and planning, I have engaged with every department within the district.My Priorities• Prepare our students for a future of their choice — whether it be college, military service, or the workforce• Hire and retain quality teachers• Prioritize and invest in the safety of our students and staff• Guarantee fiscal responsibilityAs someone deeply invested in the success of NEISD, I am dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to maintain and enhance the district’s reputation for excellence, ensuring that every student receives an exceptional education that prepares them for a future of their choice.I humbly ask for your support and vote.Terri ChidgeyCHIDGEYfor NEISD SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 6 VOTING IS YOURSUPERPOWER!VOTE MAY 4 EARLY VOTING APRIL 22-30Learn More about me! Scan HerePOL. AD PD. FOR BY TERRI CHIDGEY CAMPAIGN | JOE CHIDGEY, TREASURERvotechidgey.comApril 2024www.stoneoakhighlights.com 15