Important Documents: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ensuring Your Affairs Are in Order
Let’s be honest, considering all the frightening “what-ifs” that can happen in life is something none of us like to think about, talk about, or spend time completing forms about.
Making plans for what would happen if we were no longer able to care for ourselves or those who depend on us can be overwhelming to even consider. We would rather just believe that nothing terrible will ever happen. The good news is, most likely it won’t! But, as any good therapist will tell you, there is a lot of freedom and power that comes from facing your fears and being prepared. And, if your family ever needs those documents, I can guarantee they will be grateful for the time, thought and effort you dedicated to making one of the most difficult times of their lives a bit easier to navigate. Here are some practical questions to get you started.
Who are the trusted people in my life?
Who you trust with different decisions and responsibilities in your life can be the same person or different people depending on the issue at hand. Consider the following: Who has specific skills or knowledge? Who has time to carefully handle added responsibilities? Who do my dependents trust or feel comfortable with? Who is financially savvy? Is there someone who is knowledgeable about the medical care system? Who would fight for my choices to be honored even if they aren’t popular with other family members? The trusted people in your life may include immediate family members, friends, or a professional such as a lawyer or trusted advisor.
Can my documents be accessed?
If something happened to me, how could my critical documents be accessed? Do I have a file with my important documents and passwords clearly and securely stored? How about my cell phone? Many accounts require a secure code to be sent to your cell phone to confirm your identity. This information may be necessary so that payments can be made on recurring bills such as mortgages, car payments, insurance, power bills, internet, and tuition. Preventing an interruption in everyday services for your dependents allows for fewer problems while your loved ones figure out the next steps. Specifying account numbers and contact information is important as well. Let’s not forget about employer information either! A trusted person needs to know who to contact at your job. Many employers have a Human Resources (HR) department that can help your dependents access employee benefits including necessary funds from insurance, disability, or investments, but this can’t happen if they don’t know who to call.
What would I want done?
Again, this question is something that is not especially pleasant to think about, but it's much easier to consider when all is well than during a crisis. Do you have strong beliefs about your medical care or who you would want to make decisions in the case that you were not able to make those decisions for yourself? If so, you should complete an Advanced Directive and/or choose a Healthcare Proxy. You can change these documents at any time and remember they can only be used if you are unable to communicate your desires for yourself. These forms are not just for people with health issues or the elderly. They are for anyone who wants their wishes to be followed in case of an emergency.
If you begin to feel uncomfortable as you think through these questions, don’t worry! That’s normal. Take a break and when you are ready, take small steps to begin putting your documents in order. Talking to a trusted therapist can help you think through your choices and talk through the uncomfortable feelings that this process may bring to the surface. Do your research, talk with your family members, explore options for free legal resources, and consult an estate planning lawyer to help you make decisions that may not be so clear cut. Understanding the common terms below can also help the process seem a bit less intimidating. By getting started today you will face your fears, empower your family, and support your mental wellness.
Helpful Terms to Know
Advanced Directive - A legal document that explains how you want medical decisions about you to be made if you cannot make the decisions for yourself. It guides your medical care team and loved ones through making decisions for you if you are incapacitated. An advanced directive can include other documents such as a living will or name a health proxy and encompasses situations that may or may not be terminal in nature.
Living Will – A legal document and a type of advanced directive that outlines your wishes for your end-of-life care.
Power of Attorney – A legal document that gives someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated.
Health Care Proxy - A health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make health care decisions for you if you become unable to make them yourself. The person you appoint is called a health care agent.
Will – A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. Guardianship of minor children is often detailed in a will as well.
Estate Planning Attorney – An estate planning attorney is a legal professional who specializes in helping people plan for the distribution of their assets after their death or incapacity. Estate planning attorneys can help you with a range of issues including wills, medical directives, power of attorney documents, guardianship and end-of-life arrangements.
Additional Resources to consider:
Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.
This blog post was written by Jill Sebaugh.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM @atlwell
