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In a health crisis, the ability to make decisions on your parent's behalf — access medical records, talk to doctors, manage finances — depends entirely on having the right legal documents in place. Without them, family members may find themselves unable to help in the ways that matter most.
Durable Power of Attorney (Financial)
Authorizes a named person to manage financial matters — pay bills, access accounts, manage property — on behalf of your parent. 'Durable' means it remains valid even if your parent becomes incapacitated. In Washington a power of attorney is durable only if it says so; it must be signed and either notarized or witnessed by two qualified witnesses (RCW 11.125.050).
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Authorizes a named person to make medical decisions if your parent cannot. In Washington, this is often accompanied by an advance directive. Without one, Washington law lets close family consent to medical care in a set priority order (RCW 7.70.065) — but money and property still need a power of attorney or a court-appointed guardian or conservator.
Advance Directive and POLST
Documents your parent's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment and end-of-life care. The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is commonly used in Washington and travels with your parent between care settings.
HIPAA Authorization
Allows healthcare providers to share medical information with named family members. Without this, providers may refuse to discuss your parent's condition with you.
If documents aren't in place
Act now, while your parent still has capacity to sign. An elder law attorney can prepare these documents quickly — often within days. If your parent has already lost capacity, guardianship or conservatorship through the courts may be necessary.
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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