At some point in life, most of us will face incapacity, and all of us will pass away. There are documents you should have in place to prepare for both scenarios, making sure your affairs are handled and your estate goes to whom you want, how you want.
1) Last will and testament- Appoints the guardian(s) over minor children and nominates the executor of your estate when you have passed away.
2) Living Trust- Ensures that your estate avoids the expense, delay, and publicity of a probate. The trust holds title to your assets so that everything is managed according to your wishes and without the court’s involvement.
3) HIPAA- Authorizes the release of your medical information to your loved ones if you are incapacitated.
4) Health Care Power of Attorney- Nominates an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf when necessary.
5) Mental Health Care Power of Attorney- Gives someone the ability to commit you to a behavioral health care facility. If you get Alzheimer’s or dementia this will allow your agent to get you the help you need.
6) Property Power of Attorney- Nominates someone to handle your financial affairs if you are mentally incapacitated.
7) Living Will- Lets the doctors know your end-of-life desires, such as whether you want to be kept on life support if in a persistent vegetative state.
If you have not created these documents, it is imperative that you do so. If you have created these documents it is important to have them reviewed every three years.
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