The Essentials

Here are the key legal documents you will need—aside from a will, of course—to assist parents in a medical or financial emergency and handle their estate at death

MEDICAL DIRECTIVE

Also known as a living will or advance health-care directive, it lays out the kind of care your parents want if they become ill or incapacitated

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE

Gives you authority to make health-care decisions for your parents. Also referred to as a health-care proxy

PRIVACY RELEASE

A release, under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act, authorizes access to your parents' medical records

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCES

Lets you manage your parents' finances, including paying bills or selling property

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

Enables parents to retain control over their estate while transferring assets to beneficiaries

Data: Caring.com

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