Getting Your Papers in Order

By Michelle Porchia

There are some topics that people are uncomfortable discussing. One of them is getting your “affairs” in order. People see it as talking about death or as a “dark” subject. Having gone through and still going through trying to handle the affairs of my parents, my hope is that this gentle urging will help you and/or your family members to have a less stressful journey if you ever have to deal with illness. If you are over 18, you need to have your papers in order. As you continue your journey in life, you will need to add or update your documents.
I have had many people respond, “I have a will.” That is good and everyone needs a will. Wills are for after the person passes on. I’m talking about making sure you are taken care of while you are alive and that your loved ones have an easier time.
Please understand, I am not a legal expert. Full disclosure: I am a daughter that has had to deal with illness of parents and having to handle their affairs. It was easy with my mother because she had everything in order. It has not been easy with my dad. I don’t want my daughters/granddaughters to have to stress or struggle if I become ill or incapacitated.
Documents You Will Need At Some Point in Your Life:

• Power of Attorney: A legal document that gives someone you choose the power to act in your place.
• Durable Power of Attorney: Enables a trusted person to handle your affairs if you become mentally incapable. It remains valid and in effect even if you become unable to make decisions. (A regular Power of Attorney ends if you become incapacitated.)
• Living Will: A written statement detailing a person’s desires regarding their medical treatment in circumstances in which they are no longer able to express informed consent, especially advance directive.
  
  The HIPAA law gives patients more control over their health information. It sets boundaries on the use and release of health records. So, unless the patient signs a form giving permission for certain people to have access to their health records, regardless of your relationship to the patient, you will not be able to receive any medical information or make medical decisions for that patient.
• Will and Testament: A legal document by which a person expresses their wishes as to how their property is to be distributed at death and usually names one or more persons (executor) to manage the estate until its final distribution.
• List of important information: Make sure someone knows your accounts, passwords, etc. Either have this document somewhere that is known by the key person for your affairs or give them the document.  I suggest you have a person who can sign on your bank account to pay your bills in the event you are not able to pay them. You can also have a person on your bank account to receive your money upon your death. POD = Payable on Death.
  
  Make sure your beneficiaries are up-to-date.
  
  Give your emergency contact person a list of phone numbers of people you want contacted.
• Don’t forget your pet: Have a designated person that will take care of and/or get your pet. Have a list of instructions on the lifestyle of your pet. Have that document readily available. (I have two people in place for Kita but I don’t have her diva life style documented. That will happen shortly.)
• Solopreneurs/Entrepreneurs: Don’t forget to have your business information documented and someone designated to handle your business affairs.

Please put these systems in place for your own good and the good of your loved ones. You can create some of these documents on your own and get them notarized. The Power of Attorney documents you will want to have done by a lawyer. The Will and Testament you can do unless you have a lot of details that need to be incorporated. Many times lawyers will give FREE workshops on estate planning at the library, senior center, churches, etc. I encourage you to attend the sessions.
Peace!
​-Michelle