Get Your Affairs in Order: 6 Crucial End of Life Documents You Can’t Put Off

While end of life planning may not be something you want to do, it is an essential process you need to complete for your family.

Your final days on earth triggers a series of tasks your loved ones have to complete. These events and tasks are made much easier when they are working off of your end of life document checklist.

     1.Last Will and Testament 

An essential part of your estate planning is your last will and testament. This document lists the details of your estate as well as who will receive your money and belongings. You will also appoint someone to be the executor of your will to carry out your wishes.

     2. Living Will 

An essential end of life planning document is your living will. This is a document that details what you want to happen if you are not able to make decisions or speak for yourself. Your loved ones and medical team will use your living will to make decisions on your behalf.

     3. Trust

Your trust is one of the most important documents you will create during your end of life planning. A trust details how your assets should be managed during the end of your life and after. You will have to assign a trustee to carry out your instructions.

     4. Power of Attorney (POA)

A POA is a document that gives a loved one the power to make specific, legal decisions on your behalf. There are many reasons you may need a POA at the end of your life. There are a few types of POAs you may need, so do your research before completing one or more.

     5. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Release 

A HIPPA release allows your medical team to share your medical information with whoever is listed on the release. This is important if you cannot speak for yourself. Your health proxy will get all the information they need to make the best decisions on your behalf.

     6. Letter of Intent 

A letter of intent is an essential document you need for your end of life planning. This letter details what you want to happen after your death. You can specify organ donation, cremation, burial, or any other instructions.

These Are the End of Life Documents You Need to Have

When you are planning your final days, make sure you include these end of life documents.

You will need a last will and testament, a living will, and a trust. You will also need a power of attorney and a HIPPA release. One of the most important documents you will need is a letter of intent that details your final wishes.

Complete the documents and store them in a central place for your loved ones.

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