IndyBar: Delivering Peace of Mind: Volunteer for Low Asset Wills Workshops

For years, IndyBar attorneys have helped community members living in poverty to safeguard their futures through the Low Asset Wills Program. Studies routinely show that lower-income individuals are less likely to have a will or advance directives. The IndyBar’s Low Asset Wills Program has played an important role in making end-of-life decisions for this population clear, especially when it comes to the care of children.

2016 marks the second year that this program has taken on a workshop format in an effort to assist even more members of the community. Workshops will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 2 and 3 at the John H. Boner Center. Volunteers should be available starting at 10:45 a.m. on either day.

IndyBar attorney volunteer Peter Ten Eyck, Hackman Hullet LLP, assists a community member during the 2015 Low Asset Wills workshop at the John H. Boner Community Center.

The “one stop shop” format means that volunteer attorneys will work with individuals on-site to have their wills and advance directives drafted, signed and witnessed. Volunteers will also be on hand to pre-screen applicants for financial eligibility. Members of the community served by the program will walk away with fully executed documents—and more importantly, peace of mind.

Interested in making a difference? Estate planning attorneys are needed as volunteers, but non-probate savvy attorneys will also be put to good use. Volunteers who can bring a laptop are encouraged to do so, but it is not required. Attorneys who cannot volunteer on May 2 or 3 may be needed for overflow representation following the workshops. Contact Caren Chopp at [email protected] to volunteer.

Did you know? Indianapolis Bar Association pro bono programs are funded through the Indianapolis Bar Foundation. Each dollar donated to the IBF gives a helping hand to another member of our community through programs like Low Asset Wills, Legal Line, the Homeless Shelter Project and much more!•