The 5 estate-planning documents every adult should have
Beyond a will: power of attorney, healthcare directive, HIPAA release, and more.
1) Will — who gets your stuff, who raises your kids. 2) Durable Power of Attorney — who handles your finances if you're incapacitated. 3) Healthcare Power of Attorney — who makes medical decisions for you. 4) Living Will / Advance Directive — your end-of-life care wishes. 5) HIPAA Release — who can access your medical records.
Without a HIPAA release and POAs in place, your spouse may not be able to access your medical info or pay your bills if you end up unconscious in a hospital. These take an hour to sign and prevent enormous family stress.
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