This document allows someone else to make decisions for you and access critical information necessary to assist with all decisions. It’s important that this document clearly states that the authorized person will have access to the grantor’s medical records even though HIPAA would otherwise prevent access. Typically, your spouse is named and if your spouse is not available, an alternate individual may be named.

Typically, this is a document telling your health care providers how you would like to be treated if you are unable to physically explain it to them. It is much better that you leave a written document explaining your desires instead of leaving it up to family members to guess what you wanted or disagree on how things should be handled.

By having a community property agreement, a married couple declares that each of them agrees that it makes no difference how they acquired their assets; they declare all of their assets to be community assets and request that their surviving spouse receive them as his or her own totally.

We can help you set up a revocable trust to help you ideally administer assets. A trust may not be applicable, but it may save thousands of dollars and help you avoid probate.

Typically, this is the centerpiece of an estate plan. This document provides the following:

• Who will administer your estate?
• Who receives your assets?
• How will your assets be distributed, outright or in a trust?
• Who will be the guardian of your minor children?
• Funeral directions.