*This is a collaborative post.
There is always necessary legal paperwork that anyone needs to consider at various stages in life. Some can be hard to face, but they will help you get through situations that are hard to navigate, and can even ensure your wishes are carried out in the event you cannot make decisions anymore. From power of attorney documents to a living will, here are some examples.
Health and Welfare LPA
One of the most unfortunate circumstances anyone can find themselves in is believing they need to appoint a lasting power of attorney to someone else because of diminished health. This allows an appointee to make decisions about your medical care, daily routine and even life-sustaining treatment. As such, you should always meet with your attorney to discuss this very serious but necessary piece of legal paperwork to ensure everything is above board.
LAP for Property and Finances
There are documents you may have drawn up for LPA when it comes to health, but you can also appoint an LPA for finances. This is one of the most controversial legal documents because it can be easy for someone to abuse that position. However, a financial LPA can be valuable in case you can no longer make decisions around your money, and to actually combat abuse. It includes everyday cash (like paying bills), investments, and even selling property you own.
Necessary Legal Paperwork for Your Will
It varies by country and culture, but between 47% and 58% of people don’t leave a will in nations like the US and UK. But no matter your age or social status, leaving a last will and testament can be one of the most responsible things you can do. Of course, there are many reasons a mum might need the advice of a lawyer, and drafting a will is among the most useful. A last will and testament is vital for the distribution of the estate and carrying out funeral wishes.
Refused Treatment with a Living Will
When there is a serious medical complication, and you are in a diminished state, there is usually no way of knowing what you actually want, except for statements from someone close to you. However, it isn’t uncommon for people to bend the truth for what they want rather than for your actual wishes. A refusal to treatment and living will statement can be a major advantage, as you can specify what medical procedures you don’t want to happen and determine end-of-life care.
In Case of Emergency Letters
You can never know what will happen at any time, and tragedy can befall anybody. While it isn’t a legally-binding document, an “in case of emergency” letter can be a major help should something terrible happen. Common listings on an ICE letter include who the children should stay with, what will happen to your property and even who gets the pets. Of course, you can also specify funeral arrangements and detail who should access passwords and bank accounts.
Summary
A health and welfare lasting power of attorney is one of the most necessary legal paperwork filings you can make in case of diminished health. Of course, it is always recommended that you leave a will, and if not, you can leave a non-binding “in case of emergency” (ICE) letter.
