Which planning papers does your country recognise?
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- 11 countries
- About 1 minute
- Checked November 2026
The planning papers in United States
As of 6 November 2026. Each state has its own forms and rules, so use the form for your state.
Your care wishes
Living will (advance directive)
What care do you want if you cannot speak?
Recognised in law
This paper is called a living will. State laws recognise it as a legal document.
As of 6 November 2026. Source: National Institute on Aging: Advance directives for health care, CaringInfo: Advance directive forms by state
Who speaks for your health
Durable power of attorney for health care (health care proxy)
Who talks to your doctors if you cannot?
Recognised in law
This paper names your health care proxy. Every state lets you choose one.
As of 6 November 2026. Source: National Institute on Aging: Advance directives for health care, CaringInfo: Advance directive forms by state
Who handles your money
Durable power of attorney for finances
Who pays your bills if you cannot?
Recognised in law
This paper names someone to handle your money if you cannot.
As of 6 November 2026. Source: National Institute on Aging: Getting your affairs in order checklist
Who gets what you own
Will
Who gets your things after you die?
Recognised in law
A will must be signed in front of witnesses. State law sets the rules.
As of 6 November 2026. Source: American Bar Association: Introduction to wills
Knowing the name is step one. Signing it right is step two.
A paper signed the wrong way can fail when your family needs it. Get the full answer for United States by email.
- How to sign each paper in United States: witnesses, notary, doctor or registration
- Official fees where there are any, with the date we checked them
- A link to the official form or guidance for each paper
- The order to do them in, so the most important comes first
Four jobs, four papers
Most people need papers for four jobs. The names change from country to country. The jobs stay the same.
- Your care wishes: what treatment you want if you cannot speak.
- Who speaks for your health: the person who talks to your doctors.
- Who handles your money: the person who pays your bills if you cannot.
- Who gets what you own: your will.
A will only works after you die. The other three work while you are alive. That is why a will alone is not enough.
Why the exact name matters
A form from another country may not follow your local rules. The signing rules matter too. Some papers need witnesses. Some need a doctor, a notary or a lawyer. Some must be registered before anyone can use them.
So use the official name and the official form where you live. Then follow the signing rules exactly. A small mistake can make a paper fail when your family needs it.
How to use your answer
- Start with the paper that names who speaks for your health.
- Then write your care wishes, so that person knows what you want.
- Then sort out money and your will.
- Tell one person where the signed papers are kept.
This checker gives general information. It is not legal advice. Rules can change, so we show the date we checked each country.
Questions people ask
Is a living will the same as an advance directive?
Often, a living will is one kind of advance directive. A living will says what care you want. An advance directive can also name who speaks for you. Each country and state uses its own names, so check the official name where you live.
Will my papers work in another country?
Not always. Each country has its own rules for forms, signing and witnesses. If you live in two countries, ask about the rules in each one. Make papers that follow the rules where you are most likely to be treated.
Do I need a lawyer for these papers?
Not always. Many governments and health services give free official forms. Get legal advice if you own a business, have a lot of property, or your family may disagree.
How often should I check my papers?
The US National Institute on Aging suggests reviewing your plans at least once a year. Also check them after a big change, like a marriage, a divorce, a move or a new diagnosis.
Sources
Checked November 2026
This tool helps you plan. It is not legal or medical advice. Rules differ from country to country.