It can happen when you least expect it. A car crash, a sudden illness or a chronic medical condition means you’re financial plans for the future veer off course. In fact, the centers for disease control and prevention say about one in five American adults reported disability in a given year. And it means hundreds of billions of dollars in disability associated health care costs. Frustratingly, you can’t turn back the clock says attorney Anne Desormier-Cartwright. However you can take meaningful actions to protect your legacy and estate in the wake of your new-found limitation. Desormier-Cartwright recommends working with a qualified estate planning attorney. She says the attorney will make sure you have an authorized person to make your financial and health care decisions. And that you have a people to manage your property, pay your bills, and file taxes. Finally, know the term disability for legal purposes is different from than disability as it applies to financial planning purposes. The professionals at Elder & Estate Planning Attorneys are there for you to answer any questions you may have.