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Six Medical and Legal Documents Everyone Needs

 

Many families are not prepared to deal with the legal and financial issues of their loved one. It is critical to have these documents in place prior to a life changing crisis.  Here is an overview of six medical, legal, and financial planning documents:

Medical Documents

  • Living Will-Describes and instructs how the individual wants end-of-life health care managed.
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care-Gives a designated person the authority to make health care decisions on behalf of an individual.
  • Do Not Resuscitate Form-Instructs health care professionals not to perform CPR in case of stopped heart or stopped breathing.

Legal/Financial Documents

  • Will-Indicates how a person’s assets and estate will be distributed among beneficiaries after his or her death.
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Finances-Gives a designated person the authority to make legal/financial decisions on behalf of the person who is compromised.
  • Living Trust-Gives a designated person (trustee) the authority to hold and distribute property and funds for the person compromised.

Facing a life changing crisis can be an emotional roller coaster for many families.  A legal expert or elder attorney can assist with addressing and completing the necessary end-of-life documents. Implementing these important Advance directives can help families address the tough decisions about future treatment, caregiving concerns, and financial arrangements.

 
 
 

About the author

I am passionate about sharing senior citizen news and resources discovered from both my profession and personal journey.

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