Getting paperwork and legal matters in order is one of those unpleasant realities of adulthood, made more difficult by the lack of recognized marriages and partnerships among gay and lesbian couples. Suze Orman’s Protection Portfolio is an easy to use collection of all the documents you need to put your affairs in order. While the Protection Porfolio is marketed toward gay couples, it’s just as useful if you’re single and need to assign rights and responsibilities to a friend, rather than a spouse or partner. The included documents range from health care directives to financial power of attorney, wills to co-ownership agreements.

Clear guidance by Suze Orman and her trust attorney, Janet Dobronolvy, allows you to create the four key documents to protect your partner and your relationship; a will, a revocable trust, an advanced directive and durable Power of Attorney for health care, and a financial Power of Attorney. While none of us want to think about what-ifs, having the paperwork you need in place can ensure that your partner or spouse has the legal right to make decisions on your behalf should you be unable to. An advanced directive and durable Power of Attorney for health care allows your wishes to be known and gives you partner the right to make key decisions, including consenting to care. A trust, financial Power of Attorney, and will all provide critical financial protections for the life the two of you have built together.

Orman’s Protection Plan also helps you to organize and store key documents. Unfortunately, when one partner dies, the survivor is often left unaware of key financial information, insurance, or retirement accounts. Having this information at hand can reduce the worry and stress that often accompanies grief and loss.

If you’re single, you may still want to use Orman’s plan to put your life in order, especially if you have a poor relationship with your next-of-kin. Decide who will make the choices if necessary to retain control over your own life and be certain that your wishes are honored with the documents included in Orman’s plan.

Certainly, you can do all of this without the Protection Plan, either on your own or with the help of a trust attorney, but if you plan to do it yourself, this is an easy, effective, and accurate way to do so, with all your bases covered and loopholes closed.

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