Resources for Your Family

Powers of Attorney

• I have a signed Healthcare Power of Attorney naming my partner or chosen family member as my agent
• I have a signed Financial (Durable) Power of Attorney naming a trusted person to manage my finances

Wills & Trusts

• I have a valid, signed will that reflects my current wishes
• My will names an executor I trust to carry out my wishes

Beneficiary Designations

• I have reviewed beneficiary designations on all retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pension)
• I have reviewed beneficiary designations on all life insurance policies
• I have reviewed payable-on-death (POD) designations on bank accounts

End of Life

• I have a Living Will / Advance Directive stating my end-of-life care wishes
• My partner and/or chosen family know where my documents are stored
• I have reviewed my plan in the last 3 years or after a major life change

Immediate Steps

• I have updated beneficiary designations on all accounts to include my partner
• I have created or updated my Healthcare POA to name my partner as agent
• I have created or updated my Financial POA to name my partner

Wills

• I have drafted or updated my will to reflect my new relationship
• My partner and I have discussed and aligned on each other's wishes for assets and end-of-life care

Property

• I understand how our home is titled — joint tenancy vs. tenants in common
• I have considered whether a trust would help avoid probate on shared property

Insurance

• I have reviewed and updated my life insurance beneficiaries
• I have considered whether my current life insurance coverage is adequate

Next Steps

• I have scheduled a consultation with an LGBTQ+-affirming estate planning attorney

Legal Name Change

• If I have legally changed my name, my will, POAs, and beneficiary designations reflect my current legal name
• If I have legally changed my name, financial institutions and retirement accounts have been notified

End-of-Life Wishes

• My advance directive and/or living will clearly states my preferred name and pronouns for use by medical providers
• I have documented my wishes regarding how I am to be referred to in any obituary or memorial
• I have an advance funeral directive or letter of instruction expressing my wishes in writing

Chosen Family & Guardianship

• My Healthcare POA names a person I trust to honor my identity and advocate for me with medical providers
• I have considered whether a trust or other legal tool would help ensure my chosen family — not biological family — controls decisions
• I have had a direct conversation with my agent(s) about my identity, values, and wishes so they can advocate effectively

Medical Records

• I have considered adding a HIPAA authorization so trusted people can access my medical records
• My medical providers have my correct name and pronouns on file

Legal Documents

• Original will is stored in a fireproof safe or with my attorney
• Healthcare POA copies are with my doctor, hospital, and a trusted person
• Financial POA original is accessible to my named agent
• Living Will / Advance Directive is registered with Ohio's registry

Financial Records

• List of all bank and investment accounts with account numbers is documented
• List of all life insurance policies with policy numbers is documented
• List of all retirement accounts is documented

Digital Assets

• Password manager or secure document with login credentials exists
• Instructions for social media accounts and digital property are documented

Communication

• At least one trusted person knows where all documents are located