Public Employee Press

MELS program on wills draws full house

Who will care for my children? Can I leave my pet to my sister? What if I want my property to go to charity when I die?

These and other questions were answered Sept. 26 in an Ask Your Lawyer Night program held by DC 37's Municipal Employees Legal Services.

Almost 100 members and retirees attended the presentation led by MELS Supervising Attorney Vince Gagliardi and the following question-and-answer session that addressed their concerns about drafting a will.

"Having a will is preventive law. If you die without a will, the state determines how the estate is distributed. A will gives you control," said MELS Chief Counsel Joan Beranbaum.

"Wills are not just for the rich," she said, "everyone should have a will. Wills express your last wishes and determine what happens to your minor children and possessions. A will, a health proxy and a power of attorney are very important to have."

As a benefit of the DC 37 Health & Security Plan, MELS prepares these legal documents free; an outside attorney could charge thousands of dollars. MELS attorneys draft about 500 wills each year.

MELS encourages members to call 212-815-1111 for an appointment; their attorneys can prepare the will in person or over the phone, but the member must come in to sign the will.

"People should review their wills if they remarry or experience other life-changing events," Gagliardi said.

MELS will hold a program on debt, bankruptcy and consumer law Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. at DC 37.