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LEGAL DOCUMENTS

 

Why should I complete end of life legal documents?

End of life legal documents, which includes Wills, Living Wills and Trusts, POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment, pertinent to California) documents, various types of Advanced Health Care Directives, Power of Attorney forms, Spiritual Directives and Dharma Wills, and Legacy Letters, are essential in making one’s wishes known. Completing them takes energy and focus, but having this done ahead of time will relieve much anxiety for you, your family, and those you hold close. 

 

Having these documents witnessed and/or notarized is part of the process, as well as duplicating copies for those who will need them. The hospital you would check into if necessary, your doctor, your executor, and those who help you will all appreciate that this has been done, and it will benefit you in many ways. It’s also important to keep copies of all your paperwork in a safe, secure place known to those you trust, such as the executor of your estate and your family. 

 

These documents will clarify questions others may have, and will speak for you in the event you are unable to. Having them completed will simplify the complexities that are inherent at the end of life, thus relieving those we care about from unnecessary suffering. Please take the time to acquire and complete these forms. If needed, seek out the assistance of an attorney or other professional. It will make a big difference. Thank you. 

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DOCUMENTS &  RESOURCES

 

The Five Wishes Document https://fivewishes.org

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The Art of Dying Well https://art-of-dying-well.com/author/rick/ 

 

Advanced Directive for Dementia www.dementia-directive.org

 

Spiritual Directives / Peacefully Prepared https://peacefully-prepared.com

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Legal Templates / End of Life information and documents https://legaltemplates.net/resources/estate-planning/end-of-life-documents/  Estate Planning during Covid-19 https://legaltemplates.net/resources/estate-planning/coronavirus-estate-planning-report/

 

Estate Planning, Legal Documents & Attorneys / Bay Legal / https://baylegal.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ (free 30 minute consultation for new clients)

 

Medline Plus / Trusted Health Information for You / U.S. Library of Medicine https://medlineplus.gov/advancedirectives.html

 

Informed Final Choices / Crestone End of Life Project http://informedfinalchoices.org/crestone

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My Directives mydirectives.com (assistance with filling out end of life paperwork)

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Best Endings bestendings.com (end of life preparation)

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Life Matters Media lifemattersmedia.org (end of life decision making)