All of us have heard that we should have an annual medical check-up. But how many of us have performed a “legal” check-up? The following is a list of points to review with yourself and your family.
Have you:
1. Created a document to determine who should receive your assets when you pass away?
2. Designated a Guardian for your minor children?
3. Decided who could make financial decisions for you if you are not available or incapacitated?
4. Decided who will make your health care decisions if you are not able to communicate or incapacitated?
5. Reviewed each of your assets, like bank accounts, and designated beneficiaries?
6. Made a list of where all your financial and legal documents can be located?
7. Reviewed and decided what public benefits you are legible for, such as Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid?
8. Designated a Lawyer and Accountant available to help you in case of urgent issues?
9. Placed all important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption, divorce, immigration papers in one safe place?
10. Considered Life Insurance?
IF you answered no to any of these, the following are documents you may need to be legally healthy:
will
trusts
insurance policies
real estate deeds
information on bank accounts, mutual funds, and safe deposit boxes
information on retirement plans, 401(k) accounts, or IRAs
information on debts: credit cards, mortgages and loans, utilities, and unpaid taxes
information on Totten trusts or funeral prepayment plans, and any final arrangements instructions you have made.
