What to Do When Your Doctor Tells You to “Get Your Affairs in Order”

Hearing a doctor say, “Get your affairs in order,” is one of the most difficult moments anyone can experience. Yet you’re not alone — nearly 76% of Americans do not have a will, and many only begin planning after receiving a life‑changing diagnosis.
While the words may feel overwhelming, getting your affairs in order is ultimately about regaining control, protecting your wishes, and easing the burden on your loved ones. Rincker Law is here to guide you through every step with clarity and compassion.

Essential Documents to Prepare Right Away

Physician or Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST or MOLST)

POLST or MOLST forms translate your treatment preferences into immediate medical orders that doctors and emergency responders must follow. They are created with your healthcare provider, not your lawyer, and are critical for individuals facing serious medical conditions.
These documents can include:
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
  • Do Not Intubate (DNI)
  • Other life‑sustaining treatment preferences

Living Will

A living will outlines the medical treatments you want — and do not want — if you become unable to communicate and are in a terminal or end‑stage condition. A detailed living will relieves your family from having to guess your wishes in a crisis.
Some states combine this with a healthcare power of attorney into one advance healthcare directive.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

A healthcare power of attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. They act as your voice if you can’t communicate. It’s important to:
  • Pick someone calm and reliable
  • Discuss your values and treatment preferences
  • Ensure they understand your wishes clearly

Financial Power of Attorney

A financial power of attorney authorizes someone to handle financial matters if you become incapacitated. Banks and institutions may require their own forms, so keep copies accessible and proactively ask your financial institutions about their requirements.

Last Will and Testament

Your will outlines how your property should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to:
  • Appoint an executor or personal representative
  • Name guardians for minor children
  • Address digital assets (email, cloud accounts, social media, cryptocurrency)
  • Use a personal property memorandum to list items and beneficiaries (varies by state)
Notably, only 35% of parents with minor children have a will, highlighting how critical this step is.

Trusts

A trust allows you to transfer assets outside probate and maintain control over how and when assets are distributed. Trusts are especially helpful for:
  • Managing assets during incapacity
  • Avoiding court delays
  • Providing clear instructions for beneficiaries
  • Protecting privacy and reducing administrative burden
Revocable and irrevocable trusts serve different purposes — Rincker Law can help you decide which fits your goals.

Other Important Steps to Take

Write a Letter About Raising Your Children

This non‑legal letter helps future guardians understand your values, routines, and hopes for your children. It can be a great comfort and guide if something unexpected happens.

Organize Important Documents

Make sure your attorney and a trusted person know where to find:
  • IDs, tax returns, deeds, titles
  • Insurance policies
  • Account statements
  • Your estate planning documents
  • Loan and pension information

Don’t Forget Digital Assets

Plan for accounts like:
  • Email
  • Social media
  • PayPal, Venmo, or shopping apps
    Each platform has its own policy — planning ahead avoids chaos later.

Consider Funeral or Memorial Plans

Planning early relieves loved ones of financial and emotional pressure during an already difficult time.

Review Your Beneficiary Designations

Accounts with named beneficiaries — such as retirement accounts and life insurance — pass outside your will, so review them regularly. Outdated designations can unintentionally leave out the people you care about.

Facing a Diagnosis Is Hard — But You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

A serious diagnosis is a life‑altering moment, but taking action now ensures your wishes are respected and your family is protected. Rincker Law is here to guide you with sensitivity and expertise.
If you need help getting your affairs in order after a medical diagnosis, Rincker Law is here to support you every step of the way.
Call (217) 774‑1373 or schedule a consultation to begin your plan.

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