Get a Quick Legal “Check-Up” 
Avoid serious legal problems later by “checking up” on your legal documents today.
You may check some boxes yourself but talk to an attorney if you have any questions.
- Check your Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
- Have you stated what you want artificial life-support measures you doctors to take?
- Have you named someone you trust to make medical decisions if you can’t?
- Did you name a substitute agent in case your first choice can’t be reached?
- Check to make sure your “Power of Attorney” document is “durable.”
- Do the people you chose know your wishes about health decisions?
- Do your doctors, agents, and trusted friends and family have copies of your documents?
- Check your Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs.
- Have you named someone you trust to make financial decisions for you if you can’t?
- Do you know what kinds of powers that person (your agent) has or will have?
- Do you know if your agent has powers now, or only later if you can’t decide for yourself?
- Check to make sure your “Power of Attorney” document is “durable.”
- Check your Will.
- Do you have a valid, updated will? Check to see if it accurately spells out who should get your property after you die.
- Is it kept in a safe place? Does a trusted person know where it is and will she or he be able to access it after you die?
- Check your Options for Long-Term Care and other Health Costs.
- Have you talked to an options counselor or an attorney about how to pay for health care (especially long-term care) in the future?
- Do you know if you qualify for Medicaid?
- Do you know if you qualify for any other financial assistance?
- For Renters Only: Check your Lease
- Do you have a copy of your lease?
- Do you understand your rights and responsibilities under the lease?
- Do you know when the lease ends?
- Do you know all your other housing options?
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