Building a Legacy

The activities in this phase can be started at any age and should be considered as soon as one is able. Often this means securing a law firm to certify the documents, which makes money the most prohibitive detail. However, a lot of the time spent with a lawyer can be reduced by having an informal conversation about your choices. Our meetings will go step by step through important legal language regarding the creation of a Living Will/Advanced Directive/Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR), Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Living Trust, and Letter of Intent/Instruction (this last example will include your wake, funeral, and body care interests, which is covered more extensively in “Body Disposal” and “Preparing Everyone Else”). We will also discuss other documents that can be completed without legal assistance: Life and Elder Care Insurance, Beneficiary Updates, Digital/Social Media Management, Estate Administration/Executor assignment, and Contact Lists.

It is encouraged to consider all these choices and documents when one is still healthy. Final decisions should be placed in a file that is easily updated, annually.