Four Critical Documents You Need
Life is unpredictable, and planning for the future is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. In Alberta, there are four essential documents that every adult should have in place to ensure their wishes are respected, their interests protected, and their family supported during challenging times. These documents— a Personal Directive, Enduring Power of Attorney, Financial Plans (including a Will and Estate Plans), and Funeral and Burial Plans—work together to provide clarity, legal protection, and peace of mind.
By creating these documents, you can proactively address key decisions about your personal care, financial matters, estate distribution, and final arrangements. This not only reduces stress for your loved ones but also helps avoid conflicts and ensures that your preferences are honoured.
Read on to learn about the purpose, key components, and benefits of these critical documents, along with actionable steps and resources to get started.
By creating these documents, you can proactively address key decisions about your personal care, financial matters, estate distribution, and final arrangements. This not only reduces stress for your loved ones but also helps avoid conflicts and ensures that your preferences are honoured.
Read on to learn about the purpose, key components, and benefits of these critical documents, along with actionable steps and resources to get started.
In this 20-minute YouTube video, CMS Executive Director Terry Geib explains the four critical "Life and Death" documents every Albertan needs, highlighting their importance in honouring your wishes and supporting loved ones.
Planning ahead reduces stress for your loved ones and ensures your wishes are respected. Here’s why these four essential documents are a must for every adult in Alberta:
Take action while you can:
Additional resources:
Start planning today—your future self and your loved ones will thank you!
- Personal Directive
Names someone to make personal decisions if you’re unable to.
Why it matters: Ensures your health care and personal wishes are respected. - Enduring Power of Attorney
Appoints someone to handle your finances if you lose mental capacity.
Why it matters: Protects your finances and avoids court intervention. - Financial Plans (Will & Estate Plans)
Details how your assets will be managed and distributed should you pass away.
Why it matters: Prevents family disputes and simplifies estate management. - Funeral and Burial Plans
Outlines your preferences for final arrangements.
Why it matters: Eases the burden on loved ones and ensures your wishes are followed.
Take action while you can:
- Consult a Lawyer: Get expert advice on creating these documents.
- Communicate Your Plans: Share your wishes with loved ones and representatives.
- Store Safely: Keep documents accessible to trusted individuals.
Additional resources:
Start planning today—your future self and your loved ones will thank you!
