Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
“The biggest elder-law mistake can happen before the crisis arrives.”
- ☐ Don’t wait until incapacity to plan.
- ☐ Identify who can make financial decisions.
- ☐ Identify who can make healthcare decisions.
- ☐ Review powers of attorney.
- ☐ Review healthcare directives.
- ☐ Understand long-term-care exposure.
- ☐ Inventory assets.
- ☐ Inventory income.
- ☐ Identify insurance.
- ☐ Identify housing.
- ☐ Don’t transfer assets casually.
- ☐ Don’t rely on internet Medicaid advice.
- ☐ Verify current eligibility rules.
- ☐ Ask about spousal issues.
- ☐ Ask about caregiving arrangements.
- ☐ Document family agreements.
- ☐ Protect against financial exploitation.
- ☐ Verify caregiver authority.
- ☐ Review existing trusts.
- ☐ Review beneficiary designations.
- ☐ Ask about tax consequences.
- ☐ Ask about state-specific rules.
- ☐ Understand attorney fees.
- ☐ Keep documents accessible.
- ☐ Update the plan after major life changes.
Premium Checklist
1. Current Situation
☐ Age/life stage.
☐ Health considerations.
☐ Family structure.
☐ Housing.
☐ Caregiving.
2. Financial Protection
☐ Assets.
☐ Income.
☐ Insurance.
☐ Debt.
☐ Long-term-care exposure.
3. Decision-Making
☐ Financial POA.
☐ Healthcare proxy/directive.
☐ HIPAA-related authorization where appropriate.
☐ Backup decision makers.
4. Long-Term Care
☐ Identify possible care needs.
☐ Estimate private-pay exposure.
☐ Review insurance.
☐ Obtain jurisdiction-specific advice.
5. Exploitation Protection
☐ Establish account-monitoring procedures.
☐ Identify trusted contacts.
☐ Review unusual financial activity.
Leave a Reply