Do you have all of your important medical and legal documents in order?

March 19, 2020

If coronavirus, or any other illness or injury, hits your family you’ll need to have these documents and information readily available.

Based on our experience, here is what we suggest organizing to make sure that you have needed information together, in one place, in case you or a loved one contract the virus—or have any other health or emergency to contend with.

Nobody ever wishes they had prepared less for an emergency.

Legal Documents

  • Will: Anyone over the age of 18 who owns property of any kind in his/her name alone, or as a tenant in common should have a will in place.
  • Advanced Medical Directive: (health care power of attorney): Every person over the age of 18 should have an Advanced Medical Directive also known as a health care power of attorney in case you are incapacitated and unable to make health care decisions for yourself. This document will guide your loved ones and medical professionals about your desires for medical treatment. This is also true for adult children (at college or out of the house), since they are legally adults you as a parent will be unable to weigh-in or be involved in their medical treatment.
  • Power of Attorney: A power of attorney will allow a trusted person to make financial decisions, access accounts to pay bills and negotiate with creditors in the event you are incapacitated or are otherwise unable to make those decisions yourself. This again, applies to children who are over 18 years old.

Marshal Your Assets

It is important to gather all of your bills, bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance and other assets and liabilities together in one place. This will allow your loved one to help handle your day to day

You should also consider providing access to online accounts to a trusted loved one in the event someone is quarantined.

Medical Information

It is critical to have medical information in an easily accessible location. Make sure that you have organized your medical history, primary care physicians and their contact information, medicines (prescription and over the counter) and other key medical information for your loved ones. If you end up in the hospital, this will ensure you get appropriate treatment quickly and efficiently without delays from not having access to this information.

While there is always more that you can do, this is a great start that can really help your family.

Getting your information and wishes together can help ensure that if something happens to you, you’re your loved ones aren’t left without key information and documents that you need.

Do it today. Nobody ever wishes they had prepared less for an emergency.

If you would like help getting your legal documents in order, William Day Law is here to help. We have a useful form to help you organize all of your accounts and can prepare legal documents with your specific needs and wishes with a fairly quick turnaround time.

Family Package: Wills, Advanced Medical Directives and Powers of Attorney for two spouses: $1,000.  Add Powers of Attorney and Advanced Medical Directives for unmarried adult children living at home for an additional $325.

In addition, I will come to you to ensure all documents are properly signed, witnessed and notarized while following CDC guidelines on social distancing.  Please visit our website and click on the Contact tab to send a message.  Please write “LEGAL DOCUMENTS” in the “How can we help” form.

We are licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia

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