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Having a new baby is an exciting time. Rachel and I both have young children and are intimately familiar with of all the planning that goes into either having your first child or any additions to your family (we both have two kids).
We often get asked by clients, friends and family members what "legal things" should people be doing to prepare for a new baby. While we can't cover every scenario, our hope is that the checklist below is helpful in planning. You are more than welcome to print the checklist (at the bottom of the page) and use it for yourself or share with anyone who might find it helpful. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss "legal things" you should be doing for your growing family.
Before Baby Arrives
□Update or create your estate planning documents to reflect that you are expecting. This might include your Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive and any Trusts.
□Provide your Health Care Power of Attorney to your doctor and to the hospital/birthing center where you will deliver. Many hospitals require that you upload your power of attorney on their website.
After Baby Arrives
Estate Planning Considerations
□Update your estate planning based on baby’s arrival. This would include updating your Will with details of your new baby’s birth, creating a Children’s Trust in your Will and naming a guardian
□If you have a child with special needs, create a Special Needs Trust in your Will
□Create a power of attorney for your minor children
Insurance
□Obtain life insurance
□Update beneficiaries on existing life insurance policies
□Consider obtaining an umbrella insurance policy
Named Beneficiaries
□Update bank accounts, life insurance, investment and other accounts to reflect your estate planning wishes
Other records
□Obtain certified copies of baby’s birth certificate
□Obtain baby’s Social Security card
□Updated Immunization Record (needed for daycare, preschool, elementary school and certain travel)
□Obtain Passport for baby
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice from Leos & Gilkerson, PLLC or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a licensed lawyer.