Certain documents ensure your ability to assist your loved ones in a medical or financial emergency.  They can also ease the distribution of your estate. You should create these documents while you’re still capable of making decisions.  To help, we’ve created this important paperwork checklist.

Medical Directive

Your medical directive is also known as a living will or advance health care directive.  This document outlines what kind of care you want to receive if/when you become ill or incapacitated. This directive spells out critical medical intentions, such as handling life-sustaining treatments.

Medical Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney for healthcare names and allows a trusted person to oversee medical care and make decisions when you can’t.  Additionally, a HIPAA release provides access to your health records and allows others to talk with your physician(s). When arranging care, your named person is legally bound to follow the requested treatment preferences.

 Financial Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney for finances allows your designated person to manage your financial affairs when you’re no longer able.  This includes handling mundane tasks such as sorting through mail and depositing Social Security checks.  Other components include watching over retirement accounts and managing other investments or filing tax returns.

Revocable Living Trust

This trust allows you to retain control over your estate while still making transfers of assets to beneficiaries. You designate what property (home, investments, jewelry, and so on) is in the trust and who inherits.  A revocable living trust has two important advantages: 1) you can alter or even void the trust whenever you want and 2) it allows the estate to avoid probate at the time of your death.

 Will

A will makes it clear who receives assets and personal property left in your estate. A properly written will helps avoid disagreements and can keep your estate out of probate.  Regardless of how much or how little money is in the estate, a will ensures your wishes are heard. If you own a business, a will can also help ensure a smooth legal transition of those assets.

The end goal of all this is to transfer responsibilities and assets to your beneficiaries with the least financial and emotional impact as possible.  At Maestro Wealth, we work with your attorney, or one of our recommended attorney’s, to help coordinate and implement this important paperwork checklist.  Don’t hesitate to reach out if we can assist.