Essential Documents

Legal & Financial Documents

Getting your legal paperwork in order helps ensure your wishes are followed, your loved ones are protected, and unnecessary stress is avoided. These are the most important legal—not medical—documents everyone should consider completing.

Last Will and Testament

Your Will explains how you want your property, money, and personal belongings distributed after death and names an executor to carry out those instructions.

Without one, state law decides who inherits your assets.
A Will can also name a guardian for minor children or dependents.

Revokable Living Trust

A Living Trust lets you place assets under your management while alive and name someone to take over upon your death or incapacity—often avoiding the time and expense of probate court.

Useful for those with property in multiple states or significant assets.
You remain in control while alive and can change or revoke it anytime.

Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney (POA) authorizes someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so.

Can take effect immediately or only if you become incapacitated.
The person you choose (your agent) can handle banking, bills, taxes, and more.

Advance Directive (Living Will)

While this is technically both legal and medical, it’s critical. An Advance Directive records your preferences for medical treatment if you can’t speak for yourself, and names a healthcare proxy (decision-maker).

Covers issues such as life support, resuscitation, and organ donation.
Read more in our Medical Choices section.

Beneficiary Designations

Certain assets—like retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts—pass directly to the person named as your beneficiary, outside your Will.

Keep these designations up to date, especially after life changes such as marriage, divorce, or new dependents.

Letter of Instruction (Personal Wishes Letter)

Not a legal document, but still vital. A Letter of Instruction provides practical guidance for your loved ones—passwords, funeral preferences, pet care, key contacts, and other details.