You still manage your medications and book your own appointments. But a fall, a stroke, or a sudden illness could leave you unable to speak for yourself. If that happens, who talks to your doctor? Who manages your finances? Will everyone know what you would have wanted? Legal planning helps you prepare for these possibilities. It keeps you in charge --- of your care, your choices, and your future -- no matter what life brings.

A Wells Fargo survey found that nearly half of all Americans would rather discuss funeral plans than financial plans with their parents.  The discomfort about broaching these and similar topics can arise over concerns about appearing to expect an inheritance. Adult children might also wonder if they’re ready to handle responsibilities like caring for aging parents. And they could fear their parents will overreact or they will lead their parents to think they believe they’re experiencing health or financial troubles. To ensure you won’t need to guess in an emergency, find out your parents' financial, health-care, and legacy plans -- whether they’re already in place or should be considered. Here's how.

The older you get, the more likely you are to be affected by legal issues involving aging. An elder law attorney can help you address some of them. An elder law attorney offers guidance on matters that concern the elderly, their families and caregivers, and adults with special needs, including long-term care and estate planning.