Anton Yelchin Died Without a Will, His Parents Now Seek Control of His Estate
Do I need an estate plan if I am relatively young and healthy?
Anton Yelchin, star in the movie Star Trek Beyond, recently died at the young age of 27. The actor died due to injuries caused by his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which rolled backward down his driveway and pinned him between the vehicle and the gate to his home. Yelchin, who was not married and had no children, did not leave a will. Now, his parents have filed to gain control over his estate. Court documents reveal that Yelchin had $731,000 in equity in his California home and $641,000 in personal property. Yelchin’s parents are not only concerned with his property, but they also seek control over their son’s estate so that they can pursue legal action against Fiat Chrysler. Fiat Chrysler is already facing a class-action lawsuit over its allegedly defective gear shift design. The Yelchins plan to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the automaker seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Estate Planning Essentials For Young Adults
When you are young, healthy, and childless, it can be easy to put off estate planning. But the reality is that anyone, at any time, can become seriously ill, injured, or even die unexpectedly. Having an estate plan can ensure your medical and financial needs are managed by someone you trust, and confirm your last wishes will be honored.
Power of Attorney for Health Care
Once you turn 18, your parents will no longer have automatic authority to make health care decisions on your behalf. If you are incapacitated due to illness or injury, your parents or another family member may not be able to access your medical records or make critical decisions without power of attorney.
A durable power of attorney for health care allows you to appoint an individual you trust to make medical decisions if you are unable to do so yourself. It is a simple document that can be readily prepared by an estate planning attorney.
Financial Power of Attorney
Along with a power of attorney for health care, young adults should consider having a financial power of attorney drafted by an estate planning lawyer. A financial power of attorney will give power to a designated individual to access your finances if you become incapacitated.
There are several simple steps young adults can take to protect their health, assets, and legacy. Contact our El Segundo, California estate planning attorneys at (310) 545-0010 to schedule your consultation.
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