Legal Considerations for Seniors
As you get older, you’ll want to start getting your legal affairs in order. It’s also important to make sure your family understands your legal plans and requests for the end of your life. You can use the Internet as a resource or consult with a lawyer for expert advice.
Online Resources For Senior Care
The Internet can be a great resource for information on legal issues pertaining to seniors. Just be careful to use only reliable and trustworthy resources. Some of the most helpful resources include:
- Law Issues for Consumers (American Bar Association)
- Lawyer Locator Tool (National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.)
- Find Legal Help (American Bar Association)
- Life Care Planning (State of Arizona Attorney General’s Office)
- End of Life Care Planning (State of California DOJ)
Get Important Documents in Order
As you get older, you may need to get some important information and documents in order. These documents should be kept in a safe, but easily accessible, place in case of an emergency. Some of these documents may include:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
- Insurance Information
- Healthcare Information
- Wills and Trusts
- Bank Statements
- Mortgage Records
- Investment Records
- Marriage or Divorce Papers
- Loan Papers
- Credit Card Information
For expert advice and assistance with legal affairs, please contact a lawyer for more information. Your lawyer can help you plan for the end of your life by creating a will and/or a trust and appointing a guardian or conservator. The more you prepare, the more you and your family will be protected in the future.
