5 Legal Documents Every Adult Should Have

It's difficult to think about the end of life, whether yours or a loved ones. Unfortunately, the end will come for each of us and it's just as important to prepare for the end as it was to prepare for events during life. 

We may not be able to control when we pass or how we pass, but we can control some of the processes. By taking control now, we can ensure our wishes are followed and make our passing easier on loved ones. 

So the question is, what legal documents should be prepared? The Law Office of Pamela J. Helton has been counseling families and preparing their documents for more than 2 decades. Here are the documents we recommend every adult have prepared:

1. A Will - This document allows you to spell out your wishes for how your real and personal assets will be distributed. If you have minor children, this is where you will name a guardian who will take on the responsibility of caring for them. 
2. A Revocable Living Trust - Without this document, an estate will be subject to probate which can be time consuming and costly. A revocable living trust allows you to retain control over your estate while making transfers of assets to beneficiaries. You decide what property will go into the trust and to whom that property will be granted upon your death. 
3. A Living Will - This document is also often referred to as a medical directive or advance health care directive. The living will applies when you are unable to communicate, whether or not the situation is life threatening, and for however long is necessary. Through the living will you speak your wishes regarding palliative care and your stance on certain life-sustaining medical practices.
4. A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and HIPPA Realease - While the living will allows you to speak your wishes about certain medical treatment, this document grants authority to a proxy to make healthcare decisions for you (should you be unable to make them for yourself) and to have access to your healthcare records. 
5. A Durable Power of Attorney for Finances - This document appoints a person or institution authority to handle your financial matters; either in part or all of your financial matters. 

As you can imagine, taking the time to legally document your wishes can make a painful time less stressful for your loved ones as well as ensure that your property is distributed as you see fit rather than the executor of your estate. For your peace of mind, take the necessary steps to formally prepare the above listed documents. If we can be of assistance, please call to schedule an appointment. You may reach our office at 352-243-9991.