Legal & Financial

The right documents, prepared before they're needed, prevent most family crises. The wrong ones — or none at all — can mean court, delay, and expense at the worst possible moment. This category covers elder law attorneys, estate planning and wills, trusts and probate, financial and retirement advisors, tax and accounting, daily money management and bill pay services, and Medicaid planning.

The documents that matter most. A durable power of attorney for finances, a medical power of attorney, an advance directive, and a will or trust. Without a power of attorney in place before capacity is lost, families often have no option but guardianship proceedings — public, slow, and costly.

Choosing an advisor. Ask how they're paid: fee-only, commission, or both. Ask whether they're a fiduciary, obligated to act in your interest, and get the answer in writing. Ask what happens to your accounts if they retire. Be cautious of anyone creating urgency, discouraging you from consulting family, or describing returns as guaranteed.

Worth repeating. Legitimate professionals welcome a second opinion. Anyone who tells you not to discuss a financial decision with your family or attorney is telling you something important about themselves. Take your time. Make them prove it.