Life and death planning checklist
IMMEDIATE STEPS
- Durable Power of Attorney – Prepare a Limited or General Power of Attorney to handle your affairs and take effect if/when you become mentally disabled.
- Health-Care Directive (or Living Will) – Write a description of your end-of-life wishes; deliver it to your doctor and spouse/family.
- Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) – Obtain orders from your doctor regarding the life-sustaining treatment you want or don’t want. Bright green (post in a visible location). Intended for first responders.
- Will – Prepare a document naming Beneficiaries and Personal Representatives; probate assets are distributed through superior court
- Trust Agreement – Prepare a Trust Agreement or Will naming Beneficiaries and Trustees, and the non-probate assets that will be distributed outside court.
- Organ Donation – If you choose, arrange to donate organs and tissues at your death.
- Death With Dignity Process – If you choose, make arrangements with physicians and pharmacists so you can obtain life-ending medication when you have less than 6 months to live.
- Designated Agent – Identify a person to take care of responsibilities immediately after your death.
- Letter of Instructions – Prepare a Letter of Instructions that identifies the location of your List of Key Contacts and Important Papers, and spells out immediate responsibilities regarding your home, your bills, your pets, your funeral/burial/cremation, etc.
- Key Contacts – Make a list of the names and contact information for closest family and friends, lawyers, accountants, doctors, etc. Label them: “sibling,” “friend,” “attorney,” etc.)