Things to consider before meeting with an elder care lawyer
In preparing to meet with an Elder care lawyer, you may want to consider some of the estate-planning documents you may want to discuss with the lawyer. Among the important documents are the following:
- Will - a document to specify how you want your assets distributed upon your death. The assets you may want to include are not limited to financial assets, but also assets of a sentimental nature. Some items may pass directly to designated beneficiaries, but repeating the instructions in your will can help avoid misunderstandings with other family members.
- Trust - an entity created to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary of your choice, with instructions as to how you want the trustee to act in the distribution of the assets.
- Living will or medical directive - a legal document with instructions as to your desires of the type of medical treatment you wish, or do not wish, to receive if you are too ill to make decisions about your own care.
- Medical power of attorney - in connection with a living will or medical directive, this legal document can name a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf.
- Beneficiary lists and forms - a list of specific assets which may pass outside of your estate when you die, such as retirement accounts and life insurance policies, with named beneficiaries. This list may be helpful when thinking about your will in order to evaluate your wishes as to how to distribute your assets.
