If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’re likely focused on treatment, managing symptoms, and simply getting through each day. But preparing for the future — especially when it comes to your legal and financial wishes — can offer peace of mind and prevent unnecessary confusion down the line.
Estate planning is meant to ensure your values and decisions are honored and that the right people are there to support you if you can’t advocate for yourself.
“Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after someone passes away. It’s about easing stress for you and your loved ones now.”
In this blog, our Oncology Nurse Navigator Liz Logan shares practical guidance from the latest Triage Health Conference to help mesothelioma patients with the estate planning process.
Create a Will
A will ensures your assets, belongings, and final wishes are clearly documented. It’s particularly important for mesothelioma patients since they may be entitled to legal compensation that becomes part of their estate.
Your will should include:
- Beneficiaries (those who will receive your assets)
- A guardian for any minor children or dependents
- An executor (who will carry out your wishes)
Get a Free Case Review to explore your legal options and potential compensation that could help support your loved ones.
Set Up a Power of Attorney
Because mesothelioma can progress quickly, it’s important to designate someone you trust to handle legal or financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself. This is referred to as a financial power of attorney (POA).
You should also assign a health care POA, or medical proxy, who can make medical decisions based on your values and wishes if you cannot communicate them.
This is especially important if you’re undergoing aggressive treatments or managing brain fog from chemotherapy and other side effects.
Prepare an Advance Directive
An advance directive, or living will, spells out what kind of care you want — or don’t want — in case you become seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself.
This can include:
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders
- Organ donation instructions
- Pain management and comfort care
- Preferences for hospice or at-home care
- Use of ventilators or feeding tubes
This helps clarify choices before a medical crisis, which can bring relief to loved ones faced with urgent decisions.
Understand Trusts and When to Use Them
Some mesothelioma patients may receive significant financial compensation from asbestos payouts or legal settlements. A trust can help manage those assets during your life and ensure they are passed on according to your wishes.
Common types of trusts include:
- Irrevocable trusts: Often used to protect assets and manage taxes
- Revocable living trusts: Flexible and can be changed
- Special needs trusts: Help preserve benefits for disabled dependents
A trust can also help your heirs avoid probate court, which can speed up the transfer of assets.
A trust doesn’t replace a will. You may need both, especially if you’re awarded compensation from a mesothelioma settlement.
Organize Your Key Documents
Estate planning is smoother when your important documents are easy to access.
Create a folder, binder, or secure digital file that includes:
- Phone numbers for your emergency contacts and medical team
- Insurance cards
- Compensation paperwork or claim status
- Legal documents (POA, will, trust, advance directive)
- Medical records and medication list
“Even small steps like organizing papers or selling unused items can make a big impact.”
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When you’re living with mesothelioma, planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on treatments, symptoms, and spending time with loved ones.
But taking steps now to organize your legal and financial affairs can bring a sense of control and comfort — and you’re not alone on this journey.
Mesothelioma Hope’s Patient Advocates can help you:
- Get your legal and financial affairs in order
- Connect with estate and asbestos attorneys
- Access compensation and caregiver support
Call (866) 608-8933 or reach out online to speak with a Patient Advocate today.
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