Personal Protection Documents
Each of our trust-based estate plans includes these four important documents. We also offer them separately in packages of Personal Protection Documents.
Durable Power of Attorney for Property
The power of attorney is the Swiss Army Knife of estate planning tools. It has so many uses that it is widely considered to be a "must have" document.
A durable power of attorney for property lets you name someone (your "agent") who can act for you if you become incapacitated. You can give your agent as few or as many powers as you wish. These are some of the more useful things an agent can do for you:
- File your tax returns
- Apply for public benefits, such as Medicaid, on your behalf
- Manage property not owned by your living trust
- Hire an attorney or other professional to work for you
- Sign contracts in your name, including admission documents for an assisted living facility or nursing home
- Make gifts for planning purposes
Power of Attorney for Health Care
Who do you want to make medical decisions for you if you are unconscious? Doctors will look to the spouse first. But what happens if he or she isn't available or was also injured?
Your health care agent, named in your power of attorney for health care, is the person you want to make those decisions.
HIPAA Authorization
Your medical information is confidential. That means doctors and hospitals canŐt share the details of your diagnosis or treatment with anyone unless they have your permission.
Things get tricky, though, for people who are seriously ill or injured and canŐt communicate. The doctors will share some information with your health care agent. But they may not give your agent the whole picture. And it will be up to the agent to pass the information on to the rest of your family.
A HIPAA Authorization goes beyond the minimum and gives your closest family members and friends access to as much of your medical information as you wish.
Living Will
It is difficult to predict what health care decisions we will have to make in our lives. Your health care agent can make most of the ordinary decisions – that's why you chose them. But some things are so important that you may want to make your wishes known to family and friends in advance.
A Living Will puts in writing what kind of life prolonging treatment you do or do not want to receive. Having your wishes known helps focus the discussion and minimize arguments when a family is faced with difficult, potentially end-of-life decisions.
Getting Your Personal Protection Documents
To find out how you can get these important documents for you or your loved-ones, call (888) 909-1414 or contact us online to schedule a no-fee Discovery Session.