An incapacity information plan: who can find what?
Separate contacts, document locations, everyday responsibilities and legal authority when planning for a period when you cannot manage things yourself.
Last reviewed . Rules change — check with the provider before you rely on this guide.
Give each responsibility a named route #
Avoid a single instruction such as “ask my spouse.” The person coordinating care may not be the person authorized to manage money. Names alone are not enough; explain the task and where supporting records can be found.
| Responsibility | Information to prepare |
|---|---|
| Care communication | Usual providers, chosen contact and existing planning documents |
| Household logistics | Care routines, transport and home instructions |
| Money and property | Institution list, bills and any relevant authorization documents |
| Digital information | Approved access methods and protected instruction locations |
Check existing documents with the right people #
Locate the documents you already have before creating new ones. Ask the professional who prepared them what they cover, when they apply and whether updates are needed. Ask institutions how they handle an authorized representative. The CFPB publishes different guides for different financial-caregiving roles, reflecting why the role matters.
Review after a change in people or circumstances #
Revisit the map when you change providers, accounts, addresses or chosen helpers. If your wishes or legal arrangements change, work with an appropriate professional and replace outdated everyday instructions. The NIA’s affairs-in-order checklist is a useful starting point for gathering the records behind the plan.
Source: National Institute on Aging: Getting your affairs in order
WiseTomorrow is a technology service for organizing and sharing information. It does not provide legal, tax, financial or estate-planning advice, does not replace a will, trust, power of attorney, beneficiary designation or advance directive, and does not verify that stored documents are valid. Consult a licensed professional for advice about your situation. Read the full legal disclaimer.
Sources and editorial notes
Prepared by WiseTomorrow, the maker of Wise Box. These resources help organize information; they are not an independent product review. No specialist review is claimed. How these resources are prepared.
- National Institute on Aging: Getting your affairs in order · Source checked 2026-09-09
- CFPB: Guides for managing someone else’s money · Source checked 2026-09-09
Have a correction? Contact WiseTomorrow.