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In Massachusetts, every adult, that is, every person over the age of 18, should have:

  • A Health Care Proxy:  This document allows another person to make a medical decision for you, if you are unable to make a medical decision for yourself.
  • A HIPAA Release:  This document allows another person to obtain access to your medical information, in case they have to make a medical decision for you, or in order to help you, or the person you named in your Health Care Proxy,  make a medical decision.
  • A Power of Attorney:  This document allows another person to make a financial decision for you, if you are not able to make a financial decision for yourself.
  • A Will:  This document specifies who is to handle the what is left after you have died, and who gets what.

That’s all.  That’s what every man and woman, who is not under the legal guardianship or conservatorship of another person, should have in place and keep updated.  

Are you missing one of the four, or all of them?  Are they out of date?  Do you not know where your documents are? Don’t feel bad.  You are not alone.  Call a lawyer and make an appointment to get your ducks in a row.