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Nobody who feels young and healthy wants to think about writing a will or making arrangements for their children. And yet, we’ve all heard tragic stories about someone in a coma or someone who died in an accident leaving no indication of how they wanted things taken care of. If you have HIV and cannot afford a private attorney, the AIDS Legal Council can help you write the documents that will dictate who can speak for you at the hospital, who will inherit your possessions, and who will look after your children. If you need help deciding on the right future plan for your children, the Council’s Family Options program can refer you to a social worker who can work with you to make this important decision. Even if you don’t have HIV, it’s a good idea to read our legal guides and have your will and powers of attorney prepared.
Doug met Chad and moved into his house years ago. During their time as a couple, Chad never thought he needed a will or any powers of attorney. Now he has a serious AIDS-related illness. When his sister came to visit she announced her plan to sell Chad’s house so she could move him closer to her. Doug would not be invited.
Angela has two young children. Over the years she has had a couple of medical emergencies that kept her in the hospital. She realizes she can’t always rely on her mother to take care of her children. She’s been thinking about making some sort of legal arrangement so that her best friend can become guardian of her children if she gets really sick again.
Barbara has had HIV for several years and she’s never had any health problems. She’s wondering if she should bother doing a will or powers of attorney.
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