Learn more about important legal documents that can be used for life planning. This includes instructions for health-related situations when you may not be able to make decisions yourself. It also includes documents for financial decision-making. These documents are meant to be communicated and shared with family members and appropriate professionals. They should be stored in an easily accessible location and not locked in a safe deposit box or file cabinet.

• Questions to Think About and Ask Others

  Start with these questions. They'll help you focus and point you in the right direction. Be sure to write down your answers.

• Educate yourself about legal issues

  • Law for Seniors has information on housing, planning, and family law.

  • AZ LawHelp offers information for Arizona citizens on aging, disability, and consumer issues.

  • The AZ Center for Disability Law advocates for the legal rights of persons with disabilities.

• Consider speaking with an attorney

  If you have questions about legal issues, consider speaking with an attorney. You need to ensure you select an attorney in good standing who specializes in the area of law in which you are seeking assistance.

  • The Area Agency on Aging may refer you to legal resources in your local area.

  • You can locate an attorney by contacting the State Bar of Arizona.

  • Consumers can also find information for attorneys in their area who specialize in elder law by contacting the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.

• Advance health care directives

  Have you talked with loved ones or your physician about your thoughts and wishes on death and dying? Although it can be difficult to share these thoughts, it's important for every adult (at any age!) to think about these decisions now. You may unexpectedly be in a position where you cannot speak for yourself tomorrow, such as in the case of an accident or severe illness. In these situations, having a legal document, known as an "advance health care directive," assures that your doctor and loved ones know your wishes about the kind of care you want. You can also decide who the person is that you want to make decisions for you when you are not able to do so.

  • Start a discussion about Advance Directives for Health Care- These tips for talking to your family come from the University of Arizona, Cooperative Extension Office.

  • Health Care Decisions, by Hospice of the Valley.

  • Visit the Arizona Attorney General Web site , where you can find sample forms and a video on Life Care Planning.

• You can prepare legal documents yourself

  Most counties have a Self Service Center and/or law library, although not all have online access. Consumers can find “do it yourself” forms and instructions for probate (guardianship, conservatorship), family law (i.e. divorce) civil cases etc. This will allow them to do all or most of the work without the expense of an attorney.

  Find information for the courts in your County