Three Crucial Documents Needed in Every Comprehensive Estate Plan

Because life is anything but predictable, an estate plan must include contingencies for the unexpected while you are still living. If at any time you become incapacitated and need to rely on others to make crucial decisions for you, you’ll be glad that you have provided them with documentation that speaks for you when you cannot speak for yourself. These three documents are crucial inclusions to every comprehensive estate plan.

1. A durable power of attorney. This allows the person appointed by you to manage your affairs if you are unable to personally do so should you become mentally incompetent due to illness or injury.
2. A HIPAA release of information form. This document would allow doctors to share your medical records with those that you have designated as representatives.
3. Advance directives. This statement outlines a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment. It allows one to specify just what steps should or should not be taken in regards to certain medical procedures if the patient cannot speak for themselves.

At Brady | Cobin Law Group, PLLC, we work intimately with you to make sure that all of your legal, medical and business affairs are completely spelled out to your exact specifications with all of these documents. As experienced and knowledgeable estate planning lawyers in Raleigh, North Carolina, we know the pitfalls, challenges and procedures of comprehensive estate planning and strive to make sure that every aspect of your plan is controlled by you. We stand by our belief that all persons should have control over their lives and work diligently to co-create estate plans that work.