ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS–NOT JUST FOR END OF LIFE

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Preparing essential documents is an adult responsibility that should begin well before old age. Most people think it is something they should get around to “before I die”. Let’s be realistic. None of us know just when we will get there.

Most people cannot bring themselves to get their documents organized. This is understandable since it will take time, may require research, and can cost money. The most common reason is simple (or complex) denial. We do not want to think about anything to do with dying. We also don’t want to take stock of our finances if they are not so great. If we are doing well, we are still reluctant to talk about money, even, or especially, with close family members. It is just hard to get our minds around it.

Organizing your documents RIGHT NOW is probably the most loving thing you can do for your family.

The following is a checklist. Some documents may not apply to you. Just be sure and include it in your collection if it does apply.

GENERAL

Letter of Instruction: Not a formal document like a will. It allows you to specify in more detail what your wishes are.
Marriage License (s)
Divorce Papers
Military History
All User Names and Passwords
Names of attorneys, accountants, financial advisers, and location of all essential documents

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

An advance directive must be created while a person can still make decisions. The document indicates your choices about medical treatment or financial management. You can also name someone to make decisions about your medical treatment or finances if you are unable to make these decisions or choices yourself. By completing the appropriate advance directives, you can predetermine end-of-life decisions in a legally sound way. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws regarding advance directives. You can download the forms for your state from the internet.

Living Will: Tells health care providers what type of life-prolonging treatments or procedures to perform if you have a terminal condition or are in a persistent vegetative state. A Living Will is not the same as a regular will. It only addresses issues regarding your medical care while you are still living.

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (also HealthCare Surrogate or Health Care Proxy): Allows you to select any person to make medical decisions for you if you should become temporarily or even permanently unable to make those decisions for yourself. This person is also referred to as your attorney-in-fact, but it is not necessary for them to be a lawyer.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order (In and Out of Hospital): Tells health care providers and emergency personnel that if your heart stops beating or if you stop breathing that they are not to attempt to revive you by any means. A DNR is not the same as a living will. You should complete an In-Hospital version each time your are admitted to a hospital.

Will: Legal document dictating who inherits your assets.

Revocable Trust or Living Trust: You can transfer assets to trust and name yourself or someone else as trustee for beneficiaries. Can be revoked.

Durable Power of Attorney for Finances: Legal document that arrange for someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated