How Legal Documents Can Help with Traditional or Financial Caregiving
Legal documents can help expand opportunities for assistance in many situations. Anyone who is able to make informed decisions can sign legal documents. If you or the person in need of assistance created an estate plan, you should look for the following documents:
Durable Power of Attorney
A financial Power of Attorney can help with the following items:
- Apply for and maintain government benefits
- Prepare yearly taxes
- Manage retirement accounts
- Pay bills
Revocable Living Trust
A Trust can help with the following items:
- Pay bills
- Manage real estate, bank accounts and investment accounts
- Avoid probate
- Minimize or eliminate estate tax
Advance Health Care Directive
A Health Directive, also known as a Power of Attorney for Health Care, can help with the following items:
- Communicate with doctors
- Organize health appointments
- Make health, personal care and medication decisions if necessary
- Participate in medication decisions
