These documents will ensure that you can assist your loved ones in a medical or financial emergency and, at their deaths, ease the distribution of their estate.
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A medical directive
Also known as a living will or advance health care directive, this document sets out what kind of care your loved ones want to receive if and when they become ill or incapacitated.
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A durable power of attorney for healthcare and HIPAA release
A durable power of attorney for healthcare allows you to make healthcare decisions for your loved ones. A HIPAA release gives you access to your their health records and physicians.
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A durable power of attorney for finances
A durable power of attorney for finances allows you to manage your loved ones' financial affairs, pay bills, sell property, and so on.
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A revocable living trust
It allows your loved ones to retain control over their estate while making transfers of assets to beneficiaries. They designate what property (home, investments, jewelry, and so on) goes into the trust and to whom it will be granted. During their lifetimes, they act as executors of their own living trust. A revocable living trust has an important advantage: it allows their estate to avoid probate at the time of their deaths.
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A will
A will makes clear who will receive your loved ones' assets and personal property. A properly written will helps to avoid disagreements over estate after their deaths.
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Hello LovelyLou, Thank you very much for your comment. Here is our topic center on wills and trusts that you may find helpful: ( http://www.caring.com/will-and-trust ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
Need more explanation on wills and trusts.My spouse has not been diagnosed with Alzheimers yet but his thinking is not there could use more information
A durable power of attorney is used in a medical setting. This gives someone the power to authorize "pulling the plug" and other medical decisions. And yes, these forms can by found on the web but many will not hold up in court and cause more of a headache than they are worth. It is so worth going through and estate planning attorney, especially one who practices elder law if working with someone 55+. It could end up being even more expensive if not done right to begin with!
Hi doodles1, Some documents may still be valid across states, where others are not. I think it would be wise if you had all the document reviewed in the new state to make sure that everything is still valid. Good luck -- Emily | Community Manager
It confirmed what I went through in North Carolina but now that I am here in Floida, do I need new documents?
Hi MYmom1, Thanks for your question. We have a great article all about getting paid to be a caregiver that you can find here: (http://www.caring.com/articles/payment-for-family-caregiver). In addition, here are a few more resourses you may find useful: (http://www.caring.com/questions/medicaid-caregiver-pay) and (http://www.caring.com/questions/how-to-get-paid-to-be-a-caregiver-for-parents). I hope that gets your started! -- Emily
My son lives with my mom in Michigan and she has dementia. It is not safe for her to be alone and he is unemployed. Can he get paid for caring for her as in income to be used by friend of the court? What is the standard rate for live-in family assistance? Can it be paid for by an agency or does it have to be by family?
Does anyone know the difference between "durable" power of attorney and "general" power of attorney? Is one better or more than the other? Thanks Kayjo
I want to see copies of these forms that I can use-- or at least links to sites that have them. There are lots that are available freely on the web
It would be good to see some of the vocabulary defined somewhere through hyperlinks.