Questions for money and paperwork
Financial and legal arrangements depend on individual circumstances. Use this guide to organize questions for qualified advisers, rather than to select documents or make financial decisions.
Start with permission and preferences
Ask what the person wants help with and who they trust to be involved. Keep control and privacy central to the conversation.
Make a record-location list
Note the types of documents and where they are securely kept. You might include insurance, benefits, regular bills, and professional contacts. Do not record account numbers or passwords in this website.
Clarify who has authority
Family relationships alone do not create authority to act. Ask a qualified attorney or the relevant institution about the person’s actual arrangements. The CFPB offers guides for formally appointed financial caregivers.
Take specific questions to a professional
Ask what arrangements apply, what records to keep, how information should be protected, and what to review if circumstances change. Confirm any coverage or benefit rules with the responsible organization.
One thing to remember
Knowing what to ask and where records live is a meaningful first step.
This is a general planning guide, not an assessment or professional advice. Questions about health, legal authority, coverage, and finances should be discussed with an appropriately qualified professional. Official links checked October 23, 2026.