By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
The odds of incapacity or premature death are likely higher than you realize. Even favorable odds do not guarantee that you will beat the odds.
Did you know that even if you are in your 20s right now, you stand a one in four chance of becoming disabled before you retire? Moreover, if you do become disabled there is a 38 percent chance that your disability will last more than five years.
If you suddenly were to become disabled, would you be prepared?
Next, while there is no way to know when or how you will meet your end, you may be surprised at the odds of some causes of death:
| Cause of Death or Incapacity | Lifetime Odds |
| Heart Disease | 1-in-5 |
| Cancer | 1-in-7 |
| Stroke | 1-in-23 |
| Accidental Injury | 1-in-36 |
| Motor Vehicle Accident | 1-in-100 |
| Intentional Self-harm (Suicide) | 1-in-121 |
| Falling Down | 1-in-246 |
| Assault by Firearm | 1-in-325 |
If you died tomorrow, would your affairs be in order or would you leave behind a disorganized, confusing mess for your loved ones to straighten out? If you have yet to take the time to create your estate plan — a plan that should include an incapacity planning component — the answers to most of these questions is a resounding “no.” We can change that answer to “yes.”
About Our Law Firm
Myatt & Bell, P.C. is a boutique estate planning law firm in Portland, OR. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or at myattandbell.com.
