Planning for Incapacity: Essential Checklists for Every Life Stage
Why Incapacity Planning in Ohio Matters
Thinking about a time when you would not be able to make your own financial or medical decisions is never easy. But, no matter how uncomfortable the topic is, the reality is that we all need to plan for that time… no matter how old or healthy we are. Life is unpredictable–emergencies, accidents, illnesses–can happen to any of us at any time.
Not that long ago, the world encountered one of those unpredictable moments… the COVID-19 pandemic. Seemingly overnight, whether you were prepared or not, everything changed. It was a powerful reminder of just how important it is to plan ahead for the unexpected.
The Importance of Planning Ahead for Medical and Financial Decisions
Don’t wait until it’s too late–incapacity planning is one of the most thoughtful and practical gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. By creating a clear plan, you can reduce stress and confusion during challenging times. At Ballinger Legal, we understand that estate planning can be overwhelming and intimidating. We will walk you through the process–whether you’re 18 or 80–a well-designed estate plan can give you the peace of mind that your wishes will be honored in the event you have to depend on the trusted people in your life to make decisions for you.
Personalized Estate Planning Services in Ohio
Incapacity planning in Ohio, including powers of attorney and healthcare directives, is easier and more accessible than most people realize. Take a look at our incapacity planning checklists below and contact Ballinger Legal for a free consultation with an Ohio estate planning attorney.
Unmarried Young Adult
📄 Legal & Medical Documents
Durable Financial Power of Attorney (naming parents, or a trusted friend or relative)
Healthcare Power of Attorney (naming parents, or a trusted friend or relative)
HIPAA Authorization
FERPA Waiver (separate from incapacity planning and optional, but helpful if attending college)
🗂 Organize & Share:
Store all signed and notarized originals securely along with your health insurance card and other important documents (especially important if you are attending college outside of your home state)
Give copies to your named agents and/or parents
Unmarried Adult Without Children
📄 Legal & Medical Documents:
Durable Financial Power of Attorney (naming a trusted friend or relative)
Health Care Power of Attorney
Living Will (optional)
HIPAA Authorization
Revocable Living Trust (optional—especially helpful if privacy or avoiding probate is desired)
Last Will and Testament
🗂 Organize & Share:
Notify your chosen agents and backups about your wishes
Store all signed and notarized originals securely (fireproof safe or estate planning binder)
Share with your chosen agents the location of your documents
Provide copies to those named in the documents
Maintain a letter of instruction including information about:
Assets and debts
Online account access
Emergency contacts
Married Couple (No Minor Children)
📄 Legal & Medical Documents (Each Spouse Should Have):
Durable Financial Power of Attorney (naming each other or a trusted person)
Healthcare Power of Attorney (naming each other or backup agents)
Living Will (optional, strongly consider if you have a known terminal illness)
HIPAA Authorization
Revocable Living Trust (optional, but helpful if you own real estate or substantial assets)
Last Will and Testament (separate from incapacity planning, but important for continuity)
🗂 Organize & Share:
Store all signed and notarized originals securely (fireproof safe or estate planning binder)
Give copies to named agents
Share with your chosen agents the location of your documents
Create a folder of:
Account numbers and passwords
Health insurance cards
List of medications and doctors
Maintain a letter of instruction including information about:
Assets and debts
Online account access
Emergency contacts
Married Couple with Minor Children
See checklist above and add:
📄 Legal & Medical Documents
Nomination of Guardian for Minor Children (can be included in a Will or separate document)
Temporary Care Authorization (Limited Power of Attorney for Minor Children)
Revocable Living Trust (optional; helpful to avoid guardianship court for minor inheritance)
🗂 Organize & Share:
Letter of intent: Write out parenting wishes, routines, etc.
Provide guardians with relevant medical/childcare info
Share emergency info with schools/caregivers
Single Parent with Minor Children
📄 Legal & Medical Documents:
Durable Financial Power of Attorney (naming a trusted relative/friend)
Healthcare Power of Attorney (naming a person who can advocate for you and your children’s needs)
Living Will (optional, strongly consider if you have a known terminal illness
HIPAA Authorization
Last Will and Testament
Nomination of Guardian for Minor Children (can be included in a Will or separate document)
Temporary Care Authorization (Limited Power of Attorney for Minor Children)
Revocable Living Trust (optional; helpful to avoid guardianship court for minor inheritance)
🗂 Organize & Share:
Store all signed and notarized originals securely (fireproof safe or estate planning binder)
Give copies to named agents
Share with your chosen agents the location of your documents
Create a folder of:
Account numbers and passwords
Health insurance cards
List of medications and doctors
Maintain a letter of instruction including information about:
Assets and debts
Online account access
Emergency contacts
Write out parenting wishes, routines, etc.
Letter of intent: Write out parenting wishes, routines, etc.
Provide guardians with relevant medical/childcare info
Share custody and emergency info with schools/caregivers
Elderly Individual (Retired, Possibly Widowed)
📄 Legal & Medical Documents:
Durable Financial Power of Attorney (preferably immediately effective)
Health Care Power of Attorney
Living Will
HIPAA Authorization
Revocable Living Trust (optional, but consider if cognitive decline is a concern)
Last Will and Testament
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order (only if consistent with personal wishes—done via your physician)
Organ Donation wishes
🗂 Organize & Share:
Store all signed and notarized originals securely (fireproof safe or estate planning binder)
Give copies to named agents
Share with your chosen agents the location of your documents
List of all income sources (Social Security, pensions, investments)
Prepaid funeral or burial plans, if applicable
Emergency contact list for family and providers
Medicare/Medicaid documents (if applicable)
Schedule regular document reviews with a trusted advisor
Ready to create a plan that gives you peace of mind?
Contact Ballinger Legal today to schedule your free consultation and get started. We're here to help you put the right protections in place at every stage of life.
