Attorneys to offer free wills, estate planning documents for first responders

Sept. 08--Attorneys from the San Diego County Bar Association will prepare free wills and estate planning documents for police officers, firefighters and other first responders Sept. 15 in downtown San Diego.

The "Wills for Heroes" program -- a national program started shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks -- will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Diego County Bar Association office, 401 W. A St., suite 1100.

The attorney volunteers will "protect those who protect us," according to a statement from the Bar Association.

They will prepare free wills, durable powers of attorney for property management and advance health care directives to San Diego County first responders and their spouses or partners. Estate documents will also be notarized at the event.

Participants qualify if they have an estate valued at less than $500,000.

"Our brave San Diego firefighters, law enforcement officers and other first responders protect us everyday," 2018 Bar Association President Kristin Rizzo said in a statement. "We are grateful for all that they do, and we are honored to have the opportunity to offer a bit of protection for our local heroes and their families through the 'Wills for Heroes' program."

The national program began in South Carolina shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, by an attorney who went to his local fire department to ask what lawyers could do to help firefighters.

"By helping first responders plan now, they ensure their family's legal affairs are in order before a tragedy hits," the Wills for Heroes Foundation said on its website.

The program has provided more than 10,000 free estate planning documents for first responders in 25 states, according to the San Diego County Bar Association.

First responders wishing to participate in the program should sign up for an appointment online at www.sdcba.org/willsforheroes. Slots are expected to fill up quickly, so those wishing to participate were urged to sign up as soon as possible.

Questions about the program can be directed to [email protected].

Twitter: @Alex_Riggins

(619) 293-1710

[email protected]

___

(c)2018 The San Diego Union-Tribune

Visit The San Diego Union-Tribune at www.sandiegouniontribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.