Myth vs. Fact
Good intentions need a little structure.
Let’s make a few common life-planning assumptions easier to talk about. Tap or click each myth to read the fact.
01“Life planning is only for seniors.”+
Fact: Life planning can help adults at any age. Hospitalization, injury, disability, serious illness, a new child, a move, a divorce, military service, or a new caregiving role can all make preparation useful.
02“My family knows what I want.”+
Fact: They may know you well and still not know who can speak for you, where information is, what matters most to you, or what steps to take. Conversations and organized information give love somewhere practical to go.
03“Marriage automatically gives every authority.”+
Fact: Marriage does not automatically answer every question about health-care decisions, finances, property, business, digital accounts, or what happens when someone cannot communicate. Individual circumstances may require advice from a licensed professional.
04“My child turned 18 and nothing changed.”+
Fact: When a child becomes an adult, parents may no longer have the same automatic access to health information or authority to make decisions. Adult children and their families should learn what conversations and documents may be relevant.
05“A will handles everything.”+
Fact: A will is one part of a larger picture. It may not address incapacity, health-care choices, day-to-day caregiving, account access, property details, or what happens while someone is living.
06“Everything is online for free, so help is unnecessary.”+
Fact: Information online can be useful, but it is not always organized for your life or current situation. Proctor Central helps you identify questions, prepare information, and know when to bring a question to the right professional.
General educational information only. Individual circumstances may require advice from an attorney or another licensed professional.
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