Benefits

• Avoid probate court and keep your affairs private
• Nominate child and/or pet guardians
• Decide who will handle your affairs
• Leave specific gifts (money, possessions, property, etc.)
• Determine how your assets will be distributed
• Exclude individuals from receiving your property
• Specify your final arrangements
• Note any special requests
• Decide what should happen in a medical emergency
• Designate health care agents
• Grant trusted individuals access to your medical records
• Add conditions to asset distributions

Documents

• Revocable Living Trust
• Last Will and Testament (Pour Over Will)
• HIPAA Authorization
• Advance Healthcare Directive (aka Living Will)
• Power of Attorney
• Certification of Trust
• Transfer Documents (e.g. Deed for Real Property)