Legal and legacy readiness
Legal readiness decides who can act and who decides when your household cannot speak for itself.
Why it matters
- Without documented authority, routine decisions can require a court.
- Beneficiary designations control most accounts, and they are frequently out of date.
- Households with dependents carry the highest cost from missing guardianship instructions.
What we measure
- A current will reflecting the household today
- Financial power of attorney naming a trusted decision maker
- Healthcare directive and medical proxy on file
- Beneficiaries reviewed after the last life change
- Guardianship named for any dependents
Practical steps
Start with the healthcare directive
It is the fastest document to complete and the most likely to be needed.
Refresh beneficiaries
Check retirement accounts, life policies, and payable-on-death designations.
Tell people they were named
A document nobody knows about does not help in an emergency.
Store originals safely
Keep signed originals accessible to your proxy, not locked where only you can reach them.
Common questions
Do I need a will if I do not own much?
Yes if you have dependents or want to choose who handles your affairs. A will names decision makers, not just assets.
What is the difference between a will and a power of attorney?
A power of attorney applies while you are alive but unable to act. A will applies after death.
Score your household
The five-minute check gives you a score for this dimension and a tailored action list.
Take the Household Resilience Check →