America watched in horror as news of the Virginia Tech shootings unfolded on April 16, 2007.  Imagine the parents of Virginia Tech students whose son or daughter did not answer their cell phone that morning.  Amid the confusion, parents tried to call area hospitals, only to be told that without the proper release, the hospital could not reveal to them their child’s condition or even confirm if their child was being treated.

The tragedy of Virginia Tech altered the way I practice law.  I now urge parents and grandparents to mark their family members’ 18^th birthdays and legal adulthood by sending them to a lawyer – to take the responsibility to name the people who can act for them if they are ever unable to act for themselves.

I have created an affordable package for young adults (age 18-24)  comprising the following documents:

Designation of Health Care Surrogate
Who makes medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself?

Durable Power of Attorney
Who can sign legal and financial documents in your place, for convenience or out of necessity?

HIPAA Release
Who should medical providers have permission to speak with about your medical condition?

Living Will
What are your wishes regarding end-of-life measures?

I am offering this package at a special price of $175 per person for all four documents.  I have streamlined the process to make it easy for young people to follow through and to keep it affordable.  It is that important for every young person to participate.

Here’s how it works.  Send me the name, address and email of each young adult you are benefiting, along with the $175 fee.  I will send the young adult a simple form to return, and an explanation of each document.  After they respond, they will receive by return email a set of drafts to review, and instructions on how to set an appointment with me to sign the documents.  It is that simple.

Linda