Are you helping your aging parent or relative plan for the future? If so, it is important to find a lawyer that you can trust as you will be discussing with him or her a lot of sensitive information about your aging loved-one’s situation.

All the documents relating to the property (assets) of your aging relative will be needed. Therefore, it is essential to gather these documents ahead of time so you can bring it during your meeting with the lawyer.
 

In This Article:

Things to discuss with the lawyer
Things to do prior to your metting with the lawyer
Legal planning tips for seniors

Be sure to discuss the following key issues with your lawyer:

  1. Options for health care decision-making for your aging relative.
  2. Options for managing the person’s property.
  3. Possible coverage of long-term care services, including what is provided by Medicare and other Heath Insurance Plans.

 

Checklist for the Meeting

The following items should be gathered ahead of time as you will need to bring these to the meeting:

  • Itemized list of the property (assets), including current value and the names listed as owners or account holders
  • Copies of all estate planning documents, including wills, trusts and powers of attorney
  • Copies of all deeds to real estate
  • Copies of recent income tax returns
  • Life Insurance Policies and cash values of policies
  • Health Insurance Policies or benefit booklet
  • Admission agreements to any health care facilities
  • List of names, addresses and telephone numbers of involved family members and caregivers as well as financial planners and/or accountants

 

Helpful Tips for Legal Planning

  • All those named in the power of attorney document need a copy of and access to the original document
  • Name a successor (back-up) agent for power of attorney; your agent may one day be unable to act
  • Consider a neutral third person as an agent to have power of attorney, if family members don’t get along
  • If a 1) power of attorney for health care document and/or a 2) signed living will is in place, give a copy to physicians and other health care providers
  • See if the agent for the power of attorney for health care has authority to consent to a brain autopsy
  • Consider choosing a bank to manage the estate, if you lack a family member with the time or expertise

 

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Source: Alzheimer’s Association