 Legal Reference Contents

Welcome to the Legal Reference! Here you'll find tips and hints for selecting a legal document. Since most people do not know when or why they should create a particular document, the Legal Reference guides you through the document selection process. The Legal Reference also provides an overview of the Family Lawyer documents, so you'll know what you need to do when you get married, have children, are planning a hospital stay, etc.


 Choosing a Document

Before you create any legal documents, it's important that you understand you CAN create certain legal documents on your own without consulting a lawyer. The documents included in Family Lawyer have been created by a team of lawyers and can be customized to meet your own needs and specifications.

Getting Personalized Assistance Using Document Suggestions

To help you get started, we've included Document Suggestions which will help you analyze your situation and will recommend documents for you to consider. You will be asked to choose to get information about personal or business documents, or both. Document Suggestions will ask you a series of questions based on the categories you have chosen. After you've completed Document Suggestions, Family Lawyer will generate a report listing the documents you should consider, based on your answers.

Getting More Information on Your Recommended Documents

Once you have your list of recommended documents, return to the Legal Reference and read about your recommended documents in the Document Purpose & Usage section, where all of the Family Lawyer documents are listed. The reasons for creating and updating each document are stated, and a more detailed explanation of each document is provided.


 Document Purpose & Usage
Click any document name for more information.

To use the Family Lawyer documents effectively and accurately, you need to understand when and why you should create certain legal documents. This portion of the Legal Reference will help you better understand the purpose of each Family Lawyer document as well as how to use it in your situation.

All the documents included in Family Lawyer are listed below and are grouped by category. To learn more about a particular document, click on its name. When you click on a document, a separate window will appear on top of the Legal Reference Help window.

Wills and Estate Planning	Real Estate
Simple Will	Residential Real Estate Lease
Estate Planning Worksheet	Commercial Real Estate Lease
Living Trust	Home Purchase Worksheet
Joint Living Trust	Home Evaluation Worksheet
Pour Over Will	Home Sale Worksheet
Exhibit	Renter's Inspection Worksheet
	Rental Application
Family/Personal	Homeowners' Association Proxy
Personal Fact Sheet	Exhibit
Child Care Authorization
Child Care Instructions	Financial
Letter to School	Bill of Sale
Premarital Agreement	Bill of Sale Motor Vehicle
Memorial Services	Promissory Note
Exhibit	Equipment Lease
	License Agreement
Powers of Attorney	General Receipt
General Power of Attorney	Exhibit
Special Power of Attorney
Revocation of Power of Attorney	Corporate
Child Care Authorization	Minutes
Exhibit	Notice/Waiver of Notice
	Unanimous Consent
Health and Medical	Corporate Worksheet
Living Will	Business Entity Planning Worksheet
Revocation of Living Will	Corporate Proxy
Health Care Power of Attorney	Exhibit
Revocation of Health Care POA
Advance Health Care Directive	Employment
Revocation of Advance Directive	Employment Agreement
Organ Donation Form	Employment Confirmation Letter
Ohio Organ Donation Form	Letter of Acceptance
Mississippi Organ Donation Form	Consulting Agreement
Refusal to Donate Organs Form	Work for Hire Agreement
Authorization for Transfer of Medical Records	Confidentiality Agreement
Exhibit	Non-Compete Agreement
	Exhibit
Consumer/Credit Documents
Complaint to a Company
Complaint to BBB/Attorney General
Demand for Money Owed
Request for a Credit Report
Challenge to a Credit Report
Challenge to Denial of Credit
Recourse Against Collection
Bad Check Notice
Credit Card Inquiry
Stop Payment on Check
Small Claims Worksheet
Exhibit


Simple Will

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own property (but not worth more than $450,000 to $600,000) to be distributed upon death.

2.	Designate the person(s) or organization(s) that will receive the assets of your estate at your death (e.g., spouse, children, family, friends, or charitable organizations).

3.	Designate the person(s) who will carry out your wishes (e.g., an executor).

4.	Designate the person(s) who will take care of your minor children (e.g., a guardian).

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in marital status.

2.	The birth of children.

3.	When children become independent.

4.	A move to another state.

5.	A significant change in financial status.

6.	A change in tax laws.

7.	The death of a beneficiary (e.g., spouse or children).

8.	A desire to add or change beneficiaries.

9.	The death or incapacity of a named executor, trustee, or guardian.


Estate Planning Worksheet

Reasons to Create:

1.	Guide yourself through the thought process required to prepare a will or living trust.

2.	Determine size of estate.

3.	Determine whether more complex estate planning techniques (e.g., use of trusts) may be appropriate.

4.	Review various estate planning issues.

5.	Organize information for efficient presentation to tax, financial, or legal advisor.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in marital status.

2.	The birth of children.

3.	When children become independent.

4.	A move to another state.

5.	A significant change in financial status.

6.	A change in tax laws.

7.	The death of a beneficiary (e.g., spouse or children).

8.	A desire to add or change beneficiaries.

9.	The death or incapacity of a named executor, trustee, or guardian.


Pour Over Will

Reasons to Create:

1.	Must be used if a living trust or joint living trust is prepared.

2.	Designate that assets should be distributed to the applicable living trust.

3.	Designate a person (e.g., an executor) to carry out the limited terms of the pour over will.

4.	Name a guardian to take care of minor children.

Reason to Update:

1.	Death or incapacity of a guardian or executor.


Personal Fact Sheet

Reasons to Create:

1.	Organize personal/financial information for personal use or for use by someone who will need to handle your affairs (e.g., an agent under a power of attorney or an executor) if you are incapacitated or die.

2.	Provide summary information for the preparation of other documents.

Reason to Update:

1.	Review and update annually for changes.


Memorial Services

Reasons to Create:

1.	Provide guidance to friends and family regarding your wishes for a funeral or memorial service.

2.	Specify wishes regarding burial or cremation.

3.	Provide biographical information for preparation of an obituary.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in your wishes regarding your final arrangements or services.

2.	A change in religious or philosophical beliefs.

3.	A change in your relationship to any persons named in your existing Memorial Services document.


Premarital Agreement

Reasons to Create:

1.	Contemplation of marriage -- explain rights and obligations of each party regarding property.

2.	Own significant amounts of property.

3.	Have previously been married.

4.	Have children from a prior marriage.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A desire by both parties to the marriage to change the provisions prior to the marriage (it cannot be changed after marriage).

2.	While updating the premarital agreement itself is not likely to occur (because it must happen prior to the marriage), provisions of the premarital agreement can be overridden by the terms of a will (or trust) if the overriding terms are more favorable to the spouse not making the changes.

3.	A premarital agreement can be revoked at any time by mutual consent of the two parties.


General Power of Attorney

Reasons to Create:

1.	Provide authority for someone to act temporarily on your behalf in your absence.

2.	Provide authority for someone to act on your behalf in case you become incapacitated.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in your level of trust in the person named to act on your behalf.

2.	The death or incapacity of the person named to act on your behalf.

3.	A desire to change the powers granted to the agent.


Special Power of Attorney

Reason to Create:

1.	To grant one or more specific powers to someone to act on your behalf if you are temporarily unavailable or incapacitated.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in your level of trust in the person named to act on your behalf.

2.	The death or incapacity of the person named to act on your behalf.

3.	A desire to change the powers granted to the agent.


Revocation of Power of Attorney

Reasons to Create:

1.	Terminate an existing power of attorney.

2.	Terminate an existing power of attorney prior to executing a new power of attorney as a precaution.


Child Care Authorization

Reasons to Create:

1.	Designate someone to take temporary care of your child(ren).

2.	Provide specific powers to the caretaker.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Change caretakers.

2.	Change powers.

3.	Change name(s) of child(ren) included in the document.


Living Will

Reasons to Create:

1.	Declining health.

2.	The possibility of surgery or a hospitalization.

3.	A general desire to specify your wishes so that it is more likely that your wishes regarding medical care will be respected.

4.	Diagnosis that you have a terminal condition with no hope of recovery.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Change or set limits on the medical care that is provided.

2.	Respond to changing medical technology.

3.	Respond to a change in health care laws.

4.	Respond to a change in health, including pregnancy or a diagnosis of a terminal illness.


Revocation of Living Will

Reasons to Create:

1.	Terminate an existing living will.

2.	Terminate an existing living will prior to executing a new living will as a precaution.


Health Care Power of Attorney

Reasons to Create:

1.	Declining health.

2.	The possibility of surgery or a hospitalization.

3.	A general desire to specify your wishes so that it is more likely that your wishes regarding medical care will be respected.

4.	Designate a specific person who will make health care decisions.

5.	Diagnosis that you have a terminal condition with no hope of recovery.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Change or set limits on the medical care that is provided.

2.	Respond to changing medical technology.

3.	Respond to a change in health care laws.

4.	Respond to a change in health, including pregnancy.

5.	Replace an agent.

6.	Add a contingent agent to serve if your first choice is unable to do so.


Revocation of Health Care Power of Attorney

Reasons to Create:

1.	Terminate an existing health care power of attorney.

2.	Terminate an existing health care power of attorney prior to executing a new health care power of attorney as a precaution.


Advance Health Care Directive

Reasons to Create:

1.	Declining health.

2.	The possibility of surgery or a hospitalization.

3.	A general desire to specify your wishes so that it is more likely that your wishes regarding medical care will be respected.

4.	Designate a specific person who will make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

5.	Take advantage of more creative provisions regarding health care instructions by combining benefits of a living will and a health care power of attorney.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Change or set limits on the medical care that is provided.

2.	Respond to changing medical technology.

3.	Respond to a change in health care laws.

4.	Respond to a change in health, including pregnancy.

5.	Replace an agent.

6.	Add a contingent agent to serve if your first choice is unable to do so.


Revocation of Advance Directive

Reasons to Create:

1.	Terminate an existing advance directive.

2.	Terminate an existing advance directive prior to executing a new advance directive as a precaution.


Organ Donation Form

Reasons to Create:

1.	Set forth written instructions regarding a desire to donate organs at death.

2.	Specify which organs may be donated.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in health.

2.	A desire to change the organs that will be donated.

3.	A change in religious or philosophical beliefs.


Ohio Organ Donation Form

For Ohio residents only

Reasons to Create:

1.	Set forth written instructions regarding a desire to donate organs at death.

2.	Specify which organs may be donated.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in health.

2.	A desire to change the organs that will be donated.

3.	A change in religious or philosophical beliefs.


Mississippi Organ Donation Form

For Mississippi residents only

Reasons to Create:

1.	Set forth written instructions regarding a desire to donate organs at death.

2.	Specify which organs may be donated.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in health.

2.	A desire to change the organs that will be donated.

3.	A change in religious or philosophical beliefs.


Refusal to Donate Organs Form

Reasons to Create:

1.	To document your desire to not donate your organs or tissues.

2.	To establish guidelines for your family members to follow at the time of your death regarding your wish not to be an organ donor.

3.	To revoke a previous statement in which you stated a desire to donate organs or tissues.

Reasons to Update:

1.	To amend a previous "refusal to donate" document.

2.	To revoke a previous organ donor form that was not included in the original "refusal to donate."


Authorization for Transfer of Medical Records

Reasons to Create:

1.	A change in doctors.

2.	A move to a new location.

3.	Transfer hospital or nursing home records.

4.	Transfer certain records to a specialist.


Complaint to a Company

Reasons to Create:

1.	To make a written complaint to a company regarding a product that you have purchased, or a service that you have received.

2.	To resolve a problem regarding a product or service that has not been resolved at the local level.

Reasons to Update:

1.	To send the same letter to a different location or company official.

2.	To send a follow-up letter to a company regarding the same complaint.


Complaint to Better Business Bureau/Attorney General

Reason to Create:

1.	To resolve a problem regarding a product or service that has not been resolved with a letter to a company.


Demand for Money Owed

Reason to Create:

1.	To make a written demand for money owed to you.

Reason to Update:

1.	To send a follow-up letter to an earlier demand.


Request for a Credit Report

Reason to Create:

1.	To request a copy of your credit history, e.g., if you have been denied credit by some other party.

Reasons to Update:

1.	To request a copy of your credit history from a different reporting company.

2.	To add a spouse's name and signature for a joint credit report.


Challenge to a Credit Report

Reasons to Create:

1.	To challenge an unfavorable entry or mistake in your credit report.

2.	To request deletion of information more than seven years old (10 years in the case of bankruptcy).

3.	To have your response to an unfavorable entry in your credit report made a part of the report.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Need to update information regarding an unfavorable entry in your credit report.

2.	Need to forward the Challenge to a Credit Report to the party that provided the negative information.


Challenge to Denial of Credit

Reasons to Create:

1.	To challenge the denial of an application for a loan or other credit.

2.	To challenge unfavorable action that has been taken regarding existing credit, i.e., termination of credit card privileges.

3.	To obtain the creditor's basis for denying credit so that faulty information can be corrected.

Reason to Update:

1.	Inform the lending institution or creditor that the information used to deny a request for credit was incorrect.


Recourse Against Collection

Reason to Create:

1.	To respond to a letter sent by a creditor that demanded payment of a loan or other credit, perhaps with an explanation as to why the demand for payment is incorrect, i.e., balance is incorrect, or payment has been made.

Reasons to Update:

1.	New information is available regarding your credit situation which needs to be shared with creditor.

2.	Need to send a second response letter to creditor.


Bad Check Notice

Reason to Create:

1.	You have received a "bad check" and wish to demand payment from the party who signed the check.


Credit Card Inquiry

Reason to Create:

1.	To challenge (in writing) a charge on your credit card statement that you do not recognize, or for which you have a dispute with the merchant over the quality of merchandise or service.

Reason to Update:

1.	To dispute a different entry on a credit card statement.


Stop Payment on Check
Stop Payment on Check Letter

Reasons to Create:

1.	Checks have been stolen in blank or signed by an unauthorized person.

2.	Goods or services, paid for by check, are found to be unsatisfactory.

3.	A check issued has been lost and a new one will be issued to replace it.

4.	Closing checking account with some checks still outstanding.

Reason to Update:

1.	Information previously provided to bank contains errors about the check to be stopped.


Small Claims Worksheet

Reasons to Create:

1.	Another party has caused you financial loss or otherwise owes you money and refuses to pay voluntarily.

2.	Have been sued in Small Claims Court.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Further developments have occurred in an existing lawsuit.

2.	Evaluate the possibility of a new lawsuit.


Residential Real Estate Lease

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own residential rental property that will be leased to a tenant.

2.	Own personal residence that will be leased to a tenant on a temporary basis.

3.	Want to lease residential rental property from a landlord who does not have a lease form.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Current lease is expiring and property will be re-leased.

2.	Change in circumstances of either landlord or tenant which necessitates changes in lease, mutually agreed upon by both parties.


Commercial Real Estate Lease

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own commercial property that will be leased to a new tenant.

2.	Own commercial property that will be converted to a rental property.

3.	Want to lease commercial rental property from a landlord who does not have a lease form.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Current lease is expiring and property will be re-leased.

2.	Change in circumstances of either landlord or tenant which necessitates a change in lease, mutually agreed upon by both parties.


Home Purchase Worksheet

Reasons to Create:

1.	Considering purchase of a personal residence or residential rental property.

2.	Calculate cash flow and net worth to determine optimal purchase price and mortgage payments.

3.	Track costs associated with real estate purchase.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Change in preferences in housing, including size, style, and cost of residence.

2.	Significant change in financial situation prior to purchase.


Home Evaluation Worksheet

Reasons to Create:

1.	Considering purchase of personal residence or residential rental property.

2.	Provide a format for comparing several properties.

3.	Provide a checklist for inspections needed to be done before purchasing a residence.


Home Sale Worksheet

Reasons to Create:

1.	Selling a personal residence.

2.	Provide a checklist to track costs connected with selling a residence.

3.	Provide a checklist to monitor preparation of residence for sale.

4.	Monitor progress of real estate agent and buyer's loan application.


Renter's Inspection Worksheet

Reasons to Create:

1.	Landlord entering into a lease with a tenant.

2.	Tenant entering into a lease with a landlord.

3.	Provide a record of condition of property at the start of a lease term.

4.	Provide a record of condition of property at the end of a lease term.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Renewing a lease.

2.	Changes in condition of rental property.

3.	Improvements made to property by landlord.


Rental Application

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own residential rental property.

2.	Establish and document criteria to be used for a rental.

3.	Provide format for documenting reasons for rejecting a rental application.

4.	Document tenant information for future use in collection of damages or payment of deposit.

5.	Generate tenant income verification or tenant bank account verification forms.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Change in criteria established for rentals.

2.	Desire to expand or simplify application form.


Homeowners' Association Proxy

Reasons to Create:

1.	Designate a person to vote in your place at a homeowners' association meeting that you are unable to attend.

2.	Instruct your proxy how to vote on certain matters.

3.	Help to ensure that a quorum will be present at a homeowners' meeting that you are unable to attend.

4.	Create a quorum worksheet to be used by the officers of a homeowners' association.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Need to designate a proxy for a different meeting.

2.	Change in person designated as proxy.

3.	Change in instructions to proxy.


Bill of Sale

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own property, other than real estate or a vehicle, that will be sold or transferred.

2.	Plan to buy property, other than real estate or a vehicle, from a third party and wish to have more documentation than perhaps a mere check.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Correct an error or change a term in the original bill of sale.

2.	Prepare a bill of sale for a different transaction.


General Receipt

Reasons to Create:

1.	Provide written proof to someone that such person has received property (e.g., money) from you.

2.	Obtain written proof from someone that you have given property (e.g., money) to that person.


Bill of Sale Motor Vehicle

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own a motor vehicle which will be sold or transferred.

2.	Plan to buy a vehicle from a non-dealer.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Correct an error or change a term in the original bill of sale.

2.	Prepare a bill of sale for a different transaction.


Promissory Note

Reasons to Create:

1.	Making a loan to someone.

2.	Borrowing money from a private party.

3.	Wish to prepare an amortization table.

4.	Determine the amount of a monthly payment, if interest rate, number of payments, and loan amount are known.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Correct an error or change a term in the original promissory note.

2.	Prepare a promissory note for a different transaction.


Equipment Lease

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own equipment which will be leased to another party.

2.	Want to lease equipment.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Correct an error or change a term in the lease.

2.	Prepare a lease for a different transaction.


License Agreement

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own rights to property, such as a trademark or product, which another party will be allowed to use.

2.	Wish to acquire the right to use certain property, such as a trademark or product, owned by another party.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Correct an error or change a term in the agreement.

2.	Prepare a license agreement for a different transaction.


Minutes

Reasons to Create:

1.	Need to prepare minutes for a meeting of shareholders and/or directors of a corporation.

2.	Need suggestions as to the types of corporate action more likely to be taken by shareholders than directors.

Reason to Update:

1.	Correct an error.


Notice/Waiver of Notice

Reasons to Create:

1.	Need to notify shareholders or directors of the time, date, and place of a meeting at which corporate action will be taken.

2.	Need a document which directors or shareholders can use to waive their right to receive notice of a meeting.

3.	Need a document that can be attached to the minutes, as evidence that notice was provided.

Reason to Update:

1.	Correct an error.


Unanimous Consent

Reason to Create:

1.	Need to record official actions of the directors and/or shareholders of a corporation that were taken by unanimous consent, rather than as part of a formal meeting.

Reason to Update:

1.	Correct an error.


Corporate Worksheet

Reasons to Create:

1.	Need to organize corporate records, i.e., shareholders, directors, officers, employees, and other related parties.

2.	Provide a format for preparing custom reports.

Reason to Update:

1.	Change or add information to the corporate records.


Business Entity Planning Worksheet

Reasons to Create:

1.	Considering forming a new business, or changing the structure of an existing business.

2.	Need to identify basic information needed to form a new business.

3.	Prepare the information to be provided to an attorney, accountant, or other tax expert for their assistance in determining the appropriate entity for a new business.

4.	Review the characteristics of various forms of business structures.

Reason to Update:

1.	Change in the information or preferences of the owners regarding the new business to be formed.


Corporate Proxy

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own stock in a corporation, and wish to give another person the authority to represent, vote, and exercise the powers associated with the stock for a specific meeting of the shareholders.

2.	Cannot attend a stockholders' meeting, but wish to have shares voted at the meeting.

3.	Cannot attend a stockholders' meeting, but wish to ensure that a quorum can be met.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Wish to designate a proxy for a different stockholders' meeting.

2.	Change in the person designated as the proxy.

3.	Change in the directions to be given to the person designated as proxy.


Employment Agreement

Reasons to Create:

1.	Hiring a new employee, and wish to specify the rights and obligations of both the employee and the employer.

2.	Becoming an employee and will be hired by an employer who will not be providing a written employment agreement.

Reason to Update:

1.	Change or correct a term in the agreement.


Employment Confirmation Letter

Reason to Create:

1.	Confirm in writing the terms and conditions of employment which have been verbally discussed with a potential employee.


Letter of Acceptance

Reasons to Create:

1.	Provide a written acceptance of an offer of employment.

2.	Provide written confirmation of an employee's understanding regarding the terms and conditions of an employer's offer of employment.


Consulting Agreement

Reasons to Create:

1.	Will be providing professional or consulting services to a company, and wish to define the terms and conditions of the service agreement.

2.	Will be contracting for the services of a professional or consultant, and wish to define the terms and conditions of the service agreement.

Reason to Update:

1.	Change in the conditions or terms of the agreement.


Work for Hire Agreement

Reasons to Create:

1.	Will be providing services for a company as an "independent contractor," and not an employee.

2.	Will be contracting with an "independent contractor" who will provide services to your company.

Reason to Update:

1.	Change in the conditions or terms of the agreement.


Confidentiality Agreement

Reasons to Create:

1.	Will be sharing proprietary or confidential information with another party.

2.	Will be given access to proprietary or confidential information that belongs to another party.

Reason to Update:

1.	Change in the terms or conditions of the agreement.


Non-Compete Agreement

Reasons to Create:

1.	Employee and employer are terminating relationship and the parties desire that the employee will not use the employer's information to compete against the employer in a new job -- assumes that this issue is not addressed in an existing employment agreement.

2.	Company and consultant (or independent contractor) are terminating relationship and the parties desire that the consultant will not use the company's information to compete against the company in a new setting -- assumes that this issue is not addressed in an existing agreement.

3.	Business parties are terminating a business relationship.

Reason to Update:

1.	Change in the terms or conditions of the agreement.


Exhibit

Reason to Create:

1.	Supplement other documents with additional information relative to that document.


Child Care Instructions

Reasons to Create:

1.	Provide child care instructions to babysitter or other caretaker of child(ren).

2.	Provide specific information regarding child(ren), contact information, medical information, emergency phone numbers, and other specific information.

Reason to Update:

1.	Should be reviewed and/or updated for each new child care occasion.


Letter to School

Reasons to Create:

1.	Advise school authorities regarding who has been named as a caretaker under a Child Care Authorization.

2.	Advise school authorities as to how long a Child Care Authorization will be in effect.

Reasons to Update:

1.	Should be reviewed and updated for each new child care occasion.


 Document Interaction

The documents in Family Lawyer were designed to work together. For example, if you want to prepare a Will, you can begin by filling out the Family Lawyer Estate Planning Worksheet. Then, you can go on to create a Simple Will, a Living Trust or Joint Living Trust, or simply read more about the available documents. To read more about how the Family Lawyer documents interact with one another, click the appropriate button below.


 Estate Planning Documents

The Family Lawyer estate planning documents will help you organize your estate planning information and develop an estate plan. Click on any item in the diagram below for more information.

See also:

Simple Will
Estate Planning Worksheet
Living Trust
Joint Living Trust
Pour Over Will
Personal Fact Sheet
Exhibit


Living Trust or Joint Living Trust

If you would like to create a Living Trust (or Joint Living Trust) to arrange for someone to manage your affairs during your lifetime, and/or to use as a substitute for a regular will, you should begin by reading about these documents in the online Document Information. Next you may want to review the Estate Planning Worksheet to organize your information. If you decide to create a Living Trust (or Joint Living Trust), you should also review and prepare a Pour Over Will, which supplements these documents.

For more information on Living Trusts, click here.
For more information on Joint Living Trusts, click here.
For more information on Pour Over Wills, click here.


Study documents and Legal Help
Study documents and Document Information

If you are unsure how you want to proceed, you may wish to review and fill out the Estate Planning Worksheet. This will give you an idea of what's needed to complete a Will or Living Trust. Even if you decide you'd feel more comfortable consulting a lawyer about these matters, you can familiarize yourself with the documents and terminology before seeking legal counsel.

Click this button to learn what a particular document is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


See Your Lawyer

If you decide you'd feel more comfortable consulting a lawyer about these matters, you can use Family Lawyer to familiarize yourself with the documents and terminology before seeking legal counsel. You may also want to complete the Estate Planning Worksheet to organize your information before consulting a lawyer.

For more information, click one of the buttons below.

Click this button to learn what a particular document is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


 Family/Personal Documents

These documents will help you organize your personal records, arrange for the care of your children, document property and financial rights that will apply to an upcoming marriage, or make funeral arrangements. Click on any item in the diagram below for more information.

See also:

Personal Fact Sheet
Child Care Authorization
Child Care Instructions
Letter to School
Premarital Agreement
Memorial Services
Exhibit


Study documents and Legal Help
Study documents and Document Information

If you are unsure how you want to proceed, you may wish to review and fill out the Personal Fact Sheet. This worksheet allows you to organize basic information about yourself and your family as well as your insurance policy, bank account, and investment information.

If you have children, you might also want to review the Child Care Authorization, Child Care Instructions, and Letter to School documents.

Even if you decide you'd feel more comfortable consulting a lawyer, you can familiarize yourself with the documents and terminology before seeking legal counsel.

Click this button to learn what a particular document is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


See Your Lawyer

If you decide you'd feel more comfortable consulting a lawyer about these matters, you can use Family Lawyer to familiarize yourself with the documents and terminology before seeking legal counsel. You may also want to complete the Personal Fact Sheet to organize your information before consulting a lawyer.

For more information, click one of the buttons below.

Click this button to learn what a particular document is for and how you can use it.

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Powers of Attorney Documents
 Powers of Attorney

This category provides documents to arrange for another person to act on your behalf in a variety of situations. Click on any item in the diagram below for more information.

See also:

General Power of Attorney
Special Power of Attorney
Revocation of Power of Attorney
Child Care Authorization
Exhibit


Study documents and Legal Help
Study documents and Document Information

If you are unsure how you want to proceed, you can read about the available power of attorney documents to familiarize yourself with their options and purpose. This can help you select a document to complete or give you an idea of what you need to bring with you if you choose to consult a lawyer.

Click this button to learn what a particular document is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


See Your Lawyer

If you decide you'd feel more comfortable consulting a lawyer, you can use Family Lawyer to familiarize yourself with the documents and terminology before seeking legal counsel.

For more information, click one of the buttons below.

Click this button to learn what a particular document is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


 Health and Medical Documents

The Family Lawyer health and medical documents will help you prepare advance directives for your own health care. You can outline your wishes regarding life sustaining procedures or designate another person to act on your behalf should you ever become unconscious or incompetent. You can explain your intent to donate or not to donate organs and tissues. Click on any item in the diagram below for more information.

See also:

Living Will
Revocation of Living Will
Health Care Power of Attorney
Revocation of Health Care Power of Attorney
Advance Health Care Directive
Revocation of Advance Directive
Organ Donation Form
Ohio Organ Donation Form
Mississippi Organ Donation Form
Refusal to Donate Organs Form
Authorization for Transfer of Medical Records
Exhibit


Study documents and Legal Help
Study documents and Document Information

If you are unsure how you want to proceed, you can read about the available health and medical documents to familiarize yourself with their options and purposes. This can help you select a document to complete or give you an idea of what you need to bring with you if you choose to consult a lawyer.

Click this button to learn what a particular document is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


Consumer/Credit Letters
 Consumer/Credit Documents

These documents will help you with consumer/credit matters and with filing small claims. Click on any item in the diagram below for more information.

See also:

Complaint to a Company
Complaint to Better Business Bureau/Attorney General
Demand for Money Owed
Request for a Credit Report
Challenge to a Credit Report
Challenge to Denial of Credit
Recourse Against Collection
Bad Check Notice
Credit Card Inquiry
Stop Payment on Check
Small Claims Worksheet
Exhibit


Study documents and Legal Help
Study documents and Document Information

If you are unsure how you want to proceed, you can read about the available consumer/credit documents to help you select the type of document you need or to organize your information.

Click this button to learn what a particular letter is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


See Your Lawyer

If you have specific questions or issues you'd like to discuss with a lawyer, you can use Family Lawyer to familiarize yourself with the documents and terminology before seeking legal counsel.

For more information, click one of the buttons below.

Click this button to learn what a particular document is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


 Real Estate Documents

These documents will help you lease, purchase, sell, and manage residential and commercial real estate. Click on any item in the diagram below for more information.

See also:

Residential Real Estate Lease
Commercial Real Estate Lease
Home Purchase Worksheet
Home Evaluation Worksheet
Home Sale Worksheet
Renter's Inspection Worksheet
Rental Application
Homeowners' Association Proxy
Exhibit


Study documents and Legal Help
Study documents and Document Information

If you are unsure how you want to proceed, you can read about the available real estate documents to help you select the type of document you need or to organize your information.

Click this button to learn what a particular letter is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


 Financial Documents

These documents will help you with some common financial transactions. Click on any item in the diagram below for more information.

See also:

Bill of Sale
Bill of Sale Motor Vehicle
Promissory Note
Equipment Lease
License Agreement
General Receipt
Exhibit


Study documents and Legal Help
Study documents and Document Information

If you are unsure how you want to proceed, you can read about the available financial documents to help you select the type of document you need or to organize your information.

Click this button to learn what a particular letter is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


 Corporate Documents

This category contains forms and worksheets for the corporate business user. Click on any item in the diagram below for more information.

See also:

Minutes
Notice/Waiver of Notice
Unanimous Consent
Corporate Worksheet
Business Entity Planning Worksheet
Corporate Proxy
Exhibit


Study documents and Legal Help
Study documents and Document Information

If you are unsure how you want to proceed, you can read about the available corporate documents to help you select the type of document you need or to organize your information.

Click this button to learn what a particular letter is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


 Employment Documents

Here you'll find letters and agreements relating to employment issues. Click on any item in the diagram below for more information.

See also:

Employment Agreement
Employment Confirmation Letter
Letter of Acceptance
Consulting Agreement
Work for Hire Agreement
Confidentiality Agreement
Non-Compete Agreement
Exhibit


Study documents and Legal Help
Study documents and Document Information

If you are unsure how you want to proceed, you can read about the available employment documents to help you select the type of document you need or to organize your information.

Click this button to learn what a particular letter is for and how you can use it.

Click this button to access the online Document Information.


Living Trust

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own property to be distributed upon death.

2.	Designate the person(s) or organization(s) that will receive your assets at your death (e.g., spouse, children, family, friends, or charitable organizations).

3.	Designate the person(s) who will carry out your wishes (e.g., a trustee).

4.	A desire to use a living trust and a pour over will as a substitute for a simple will, perhaps for privacy reasons.

5.	A desire to have a mechanism in place for the management of your assets if you become incapacitated.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in marital status.

2.	The birth of children.

3.	When children become independent.

4.	A move to another state.

5.	A significant change in financial status.

6.	A change in tax laws.

7.	The death of a beneficiary (e.g., spouse or children).

8.	A desire to add or change beneficiaries.

9.	The death or incapacity of a trustee.


Joint Living Trust

Reasons to Create:

1.	Own property to be distributed upon death.

2.	Designate the person(s) or organization(s) that will receive your assets at your death (e.g., spouse, children, family, friends, or charitable organizations).

3.	Designate the person(s) who will carry out your wishes (e.g., a trustee).

4.	A desire to use a living trust and a pour over will as a substitute for a simple will, perhaps for privacy reasons.

5.	A desire to have a mechanism in place for the management of your assets if you become incapacitated.

6.	A desire by a married couple to have one joint trust instead of two separate living trusts.

Reasons to Update:

1.	A change in marital status.

2.	The birth of children.

3.	When children become independent.

4.	A move to another state.

5.	A significant change in financial status.

6.	A change in tax laws.

7.	The death of a beneficiary (e.g., spouse or children) or a changed desire to distribute assets to a beneficiary.

8.	The death or incapacity of a named trustee.