The 5 Most Important Estate Planning Documents You Need To Know About

Posted by smith clea on August 31st, 2022

Wondering what estate planning documents, you need to protect your family in the event of your death?

There are many estate planning documents to choose from, and it can be difficult to know which ones you should focus on over others.

Especially when some of them may seem unnecessary.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top five most important estate planning documents that every person should have in place to protect their family after they die.

You may be surprised by how often these documents come up!

Last Will And Testament

A last will and testament is a legal estate planning document that details how you want your assets distributed after you die.

It's an important document to have, as it can help avoid conflict and confusion among your loved ones.

Without a will, the state will determine how your assets are distributed. It may not be in line with your wishes.

For example, if you don't have children or other living relatives, the law might give some of your assets to the government instead of someone who would benefit from them more.

You should also make sure to name an executor of your estate in case something happens before you do.

Medical Directive

A medical directive, also known as a living will, is a document that spells out your wishes for end-of-life medical care if you are unable to communicate them yourself.

This can include things like whether or not you want to be on life support, what kind of pain management you do or don’t want, and more.

It’s important to have a medical directive in place so that your loved ones know your wishes and can make decisions accordingly.

Living Will

A living will is a legal document that dictates your end-of-life care preferences.

It goes into effect if you become incapacitated and are unable to communicate your wishes.

A living will help ensure that your loved ones honor your wishes and don't have to make difficult decisions on your behalf.

Here are the five most important things to include in your living will:

1. whether you want life-sustaining medical treatment
2. whether to use cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
3. any directives for organ donation
4. any directives for blood transfusions
5. any directives for artificial nutrition and hydration.

Power Of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal estate planning document that gives someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf.

This can be helpful in several situations, such as if you become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions for yourself.

For example, it would give someone the authority to manage your bank account and pay bills while you recover from an illness or injury.

HIPAA Form

A HIPAA form is a document that covers the legal rights and responsibilities of health care providers and patients.

It’s important to have a HIPAA form in place so that both parties know their rights and obligations.

Plus, it can help prevent misunderstandings or disputes down the road.

Here are important things you should know about HIPAA forms:

1) Health Care Providers- If you're employed by a hospital, clinic, or other types of medical facility, your employer may need that you sign an agreement agreeing to follow certain guidelines.

2) Patients- If you receive treatment from any type of doctor (including general practitioners), dentist, chiropractor, or other medical providers then they may require that you sign an agreement before treatment begins.

About The Author

Clea Smith is a USA-based author on Legal issues related to estate planning, will & trust, business law, and elder law. Clea Smith does her best writing on these topics that help users to find the best solutions to their FAQ on estate planning attorney, probate, living trust vs will, and more about legal family issues.