Photography by Larry Sultan
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How to Avoid Guardianship
By Barry Yeoman, January-February 2004
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Nobody wants to end up in a guardianship, and the best way to prevent it
from happening is to prepare ahead. Here are the two most important things you
can do now to avoid having your life and finances put in the hands of
strangers:
1. Select someone you trust to make health care decisions for you if you
couldn't—a family member, friend, or legal representative. Then
outline your wishes in a legal document called a Health Care Durable Power of
Attorney or health care proxy. That person will make sure your wishes are
followed.
2. Designate someone to manage your finances if you're not able
with a financial Durable Power of Attorney, a specific document prepared by a
lawyer, outlining what you want that person to do for you and when.
To get started:
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