Adult children concerned about whether their parents have the legal documents in place so that their intentions can be known when they are gone or unable to express themselves.  On the other hand, our parents may be uncomfortable discussing these matters with us, because they feel they would be giving up control, or because they want to keep these matters private.

This is a checklist that you can use to ask your parents whether they have made the necessary decisions and documented their intentions, while at the same time assuring them that you do not need to see the documents themselves:

 Have you named a beneficiary on your IRA, 401(k), annuities and/or life insurance policies?  Have you selected a successor beneficiary if the first beneficiary dies before you do?  Does someone know where these policies are located?

 Do you have a General Durable Power of Attorney that gives someone the ability to make financial decisions for you if you are not able to do so?

 Do you have a Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney that gives someone the ability to make medical decisions for you if you are not able to do so?  Have you told your doctor who this person is?

 Have you named a successor, if the first person named in either of those documents dies before you do, or is simply unavailable when he or she is needed?

 Does the person with the Power of Attorney have a copy of the document, in case he or she needs to use it?  Does he or she know where to find the original?

 Is there a co-owner of any of your bank accounts, or someone with signature authority for that bank account? (NOTE:  This is not necessary if a General Power of Attorney clearly gives the person with the Power of Attorney the right to access your accounts if you are not able to do so.)

 Does someone else have the ability to access your Safe Deposit Box? (NOTE:  This is not necessary if a General Power of Attorney clearly gives the person with the Power of Attorney the right to access your safe deposit box if you are not able to do so.)  Does this person (who may have your Power of Attorney) know where the key is located, and where the box is located?

 Do you have a list of all of your bank account numbers, insurance policies, your stockbroker, your lawyer and your doctors, and any other important information? Does the person with your Power of Attorney or someone else you trust know where to find it?

Marsha Goodman, Attorney, PLLC

13236 N. 7^th Street, Suite 4-238

Phoenix, AZ  85022

602-513-0300

marsha@marshagoodmanattorney.com

www.marshagoodmanattorney.com