Our Glossary
After Life Documents
Last Will and Testament
A Will is a legal declaration of a person's wishes regarding the disposal of his or her property or estate after death. It is a written instrument legally executed which appoints an executor to handle the distributions in the manner dictated by the will.
Anatomical Gifting
The Declaration of Anatomical Gift is an important document that expresses your wishes regarding organ donation. Prior to death, you may elect to donate organs to family members or to an institution for scientific purposes. This document allows you to make your choice known.
If a person does not place the public on notice as to his wishes, his agent, spouse, or adult children may make the gift on the decendent's behalf.
Disposition of Remains
An Apointment of Agent to Control the Disposition of Remains expresses your intentions for how you would like your body remains to be handled upon your death, as well as any funeral arrangements.
This document is helpful to your loved ones by providing clear directions and making this emotional time easier for them.
Transfer on Death Deed
A Transfer on Death Deed, or "TODD," allows the owner of real property to transfer that property to beneficiaries outside of probate. When the owner of the property dies, that property is automatically transferred to the beneficiary.
Living Documents
Medical Power of Attorney
A Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) designates an agent to make healthcare decisions for you in the event that you become mentally incapacitated and are unable to make medical decisions for yourself.
Statutory Durable Power of Attorney
The Statutory Durable Power of Attorney is a form designating an agent to take certain actions regarding your property. It does not authorize anyone to make medical and other healthcare decisions for you.
Physician's Directive or Living Will
A Physician's Directive, also known as a "Living Will," is designed to to help you communicate your wishes about medical treatment in the future when you are unable to make your wishes known due to illness or injury. This document allows you to specify what type of treatment you would like in the event that you are suffering from an irreversible or terminal condition or a persistent vegetative state.
HIPAA Release
The HIPAA Release authorizes a person or persons to have access to your medical records to assist you in your treatment and medical decision making.
Guardianship Documents
Declaration of Guardian for Child
A Declaration of Guardian is a formal way for parents to tell a court who they want to take care of their children under the age of 18 if they, the parents, are unable to do so. A parent can designate a guardian for the child's estate and for the child's person.
Declaration of Guardian for Self
A Declaration of Guardian for Self allows a person of your choice to make decisions for you on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so. It takes effect only when a judge declares you incompetent. Once that declaration is made, your guardian becomes responsible for either your estate, your person, or both. You may have seperate guardians for your estate and person. To remove a guardian and regain control of your affairs, you must prove to a judge that you are competent by providing a letter from your physician stating as much.