Everyone should have some standard legal documents. They're easy
to create; you don't need a lawyer unless your situation is complicated.
You could start from these sample forms and modify them:
You can get other sample forms from various places on the internet, or maybe
from government agencies, or maybe from associations such as the American Bar Association
or AARP. And there are "make your own will" books and software from such companies
as Nolo Press.
Use the forms and my statements at your own risk; I'm not a lawyer;
this is not legal advice; no liability accepted.
It's a good idea to give copies of the proposed health-care documents to your
chosen representatives ahead of time, to see if they agree with your wishes
and will carry them out.
Problems with health-care directives / living wills:
If you go to an Emergency Room, they are focused on doing whatever is needed
to preserve life and stabilize the patient. Unless the patient and/or the representative is
alert and assertive and there the whole time, probably with documents in hand, procedures
(tubes, respirator, resuscitation) probably will be done automatically.
Once a device is installed, it is very hard to get it removed.
Your representative probably will have to appear before a hospital ethics board or
something to argue for removal.
Your will almost certainly should be notarized; I don't think the health-care documents
need to be notarized. You could ask the notary-public about that, and about the
number of witnesses needed on the will.
The documents don't need to be filed or registered with any government agency.
Give copies to all of your executors and representatives.
Another good thing to create: a document listing all of your bank accounts,
pensions, IRA accounts, insurance policies, and other assets.
Give copies to all of your executors.
Another good thing to create: a document listing your medical info:
doctors, medical conditions, allergies, current medications, medical insurance policies, etc.
Give copies to all of your health care representatives.
