The primary estate planning documents are: 1. Will. Sometimes called a Last Will and Testament, this document decides who gets your property after you pass on and who will be in charge of your estate. 2. Durable Power of Attorney. This document allows a trusted person to act as your agent and sign documents on your behalf. A Durable Power of Attorney will allow your agent to act on your behalf even when incapacitated. This document is powerful and enables your agent step in your shoes and do everything you would do on your own; such as, open and close bank accounts, sell investments, make gifts, pay bills, sell real estate, sue on your behalf, and transfer assets. *WARNING: YOU MUST BE VERY CAREFUL WHOM YOU APPOINT AS YOUR POWER OF ATTORNEY. IT CAN BE MISUSED TO STEAL YOUR MONEY OR PROPERTY. With a durable power of attorney in place, you may eliminate the need for a guardianship, should you become mentally or physically unable to make financial decisions on your own. A guardianship is a court process that is both expensive and time-consuming to have an attorney appointed by the court to represent your interest. A power of attorney can avoid this proceeding and save a reasonable sum of money, which would otherwise be spent on attorney fees and court costs. 3. Living Will. This document directs your attending physician and your trusted person to terminate artificial machines and life-sustaining treatments extending your life if you are in a permanent comatose or vegetative state with no chance of recovery. 4. Medical Power of Attorney. This document allows you to appoint a trusted person to make medical care decisions for you if you are unable due to your incapacity or inability to communicate. Usually, a spouse, child over the age of 18, or other family member is chosen. It is crucial to advise whoever is appointed what your desires are concerning life-sustaining and other medical techniques. 5. HIPAA Authorization. A HIPAA authorization allows you to name an individual who can access your medical information so that your health care provider or insurance company has no reservations about sharing your protected medical information with your designated healthcare agents.