Turning 65 is a major milestone—and a great time to make sure your legal and financial affairs are in order. Whether you’re on disability, nearing retirement, or already receiving Medicare, having the right legal documents in place can give you and your loved ones peace of mind.
Here are the five essential legal documents every senior should have by age 65—and why they matter.
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1. Last Will and Testament
A will is the foundation of any estate plan. It spells out who gets your assets, who will manage your estate, and who will take care of any minor children or dependents.
Why it matters:
- Avoids confusion or family conflict
- Ensures your wishes are honored
- Helps avoid unnecessary probate delays
Without a will, the state decides what happens to your assets—and it might not be what you would want.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
2. Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
A durable power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial or legal matters on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
This includes:
- Paying bills
- Accessing bank accounts
- Managing investments or property
If you become incapacitated without a POA, your family may have to go through court to make decisions for you.
3. Health Care Proxy (or Medical Power of Attorney)
This document lets you choose someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
Why it’s critical:
- Doctors know who to turn to in an emergency
- Your loved ones won’t have to guess what you’d want
- Avoids family disagreements about treatment decisions
4. Living Will (Advance Health Care Directive)
A living will details your wishes for end-of-life care, such as whether you want to be on a ventilator or receive artificial nutrition.
It answers questions like:
- Do you want life support if there’s no hope of recovery?
- What kind of pain management do you prefer?
- Do you want heroic measures or comfort care?
Planning ahead makes tough decisions easier for those you love, it takes the guesswork out of a situation when emotions are already high
5. HIPAA Authorization
This allows doctors and hospitals to share your medical information with the people you name—especially important if you become seriously ill or are hospitalized.
Without this, even close family members might be kept in the dark due to privacy laws.
Bonus: Planning for Medicaid and Long-Term Care
If there’s even a small chance you may need nursing home care in the future (and most of us will), it’s smart to start Medicaid planning now. This may include:
- Creating a Medicaid asset protection trust
- Transferring assets early enough to avoid penalties
- Understanding how your home, income, and savings are treated
Planning ahead—ideally by age 65—can make the difference between protecting your home or losing it to nursing home costs.
Take the Next Step
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we help seniors and their families put the right documents in place—so you can face the future with confidence, not confusion.
Schedule a free consultation to review your documents or get started on your plan.
Call us at 800-562-9830
Or contact us online: DisabilityDenials.com
Protect your wishes. Protect your family. Start today.
