April 1, 2016

It is very important to understand the legal documents that your elderly loved one may have when a medical event happens that causes many questions to be raised. Even if your loved one completed the majority of legal documents years ago, this does not necessarily mean that this person is still up-to-date with all their materials or that their wishes are the same as they once were. It’s a good idea as a family member to conduct a thorough investigation for all of the following documents.

• Full names and contact information for individuals that your loved one may like to name as a decision maker like a power of attorney agent
• Any financial documents that show the person’s assets like retirement account statements, deeds, insurance policies and bank statements
• All advanced directives including living wills that specify the kinds of medical intervention that your loved one wishes to have as well as what he or she does not want
• All crucial estate planning documents like trusts, will and powers of attorney

In addition to doing your own search for these materials, make sure to contact your parents’ estate planning attorney to learn what material may have been filed with the lawyer as well. This may help point you in the right direction for the most up-to-date details and documentation needed. There are many challenges you might face as you have an elderly parent with increasingly higher needs but doing your research and consulting with a lawyer can help you significantly.