Power of attorney & legal documents
- Where you are
- What you need
- 3Your guidance
You've made it — here's the guidance for your situation.
Legal documents are the foundation of everything else. Without them, family members who want to help may find themselves legally unable to — even in urgent situations. Getting these in place while your parent has capacity is one of the most important things you can do.
Durable Power of Attorney (Financial)
Names someone to manage financial matters on your parent's behalf. Covers banking, bill paying, property management, and more. 'Durable' means it remains valid if your parent becomes incapacitated; in Washington a power of attorney is durable only if it says so (RCW 11.125.040).
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Names someone to make medical decisions if your parent cannot. This person should know your parent's values and wishes well.
Advance Directive
Documents your parent's wishes about life-sustaining treatment and end-of-life care. In Washington, often paired with a POLST form for people with serious illness.
Will and Trust
A will directs how assets are distributed after death. A revocable living trust allows assets — including real property — to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate.
What to do
Schedule an appointment with an elder law or estate planning attorney. Many can prepare a basic package of documents — POA, healthcare directive, and will — for a reasonable flat fee. Don't rely on online forms for documents this important.
Next step: Real Property Planning does not refer clients to attorneys; choose a Washington-licensed elder law attorney and confirm their license with the Washington State Bar Association (wsba.org).
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