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Delaware Life Documents Planning Package

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DELAWARE LIFE DOCUMENTS PLANNING PACKAGE

©2018 - U.S. Legal Forms, Inc.

USLEGAL

USLEGALFORMS.COM

U.S. Legal Forms™ thanks you for your purchase of a Personal Planning Package. This package is an important tool to help you organize your legal affairs as you begin to think about entering a later stage of life. It contains key legal documents that are vital for you to maintain on file and safeguard in event of an emergency or unforeseen life event.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Form List with descriptions
  2. Descriptions of Forms
  3. Legal Document Storage information
  4. Tips on Completing the Forms
  5. Disclaimer

I. FORM LIST

With your Life Documents Planning package, you will find the state specific forms that will help you prepare for and protect yourself and your loved ones from events that may affect your health, your finances and your affairs after your death.

Included in your package are the following forms:

  1. A Last Will and Testament that suits your specific needs (control number varies)
  2. General Durable Power of Attorney for Property and Finances Effective Immediately (DE-P003A)
  3. Statutory Advance Health Care Directive (DE-P021)
  4. An Estate Planning Questionnaire and Worksheet (DE-WIL-801)
  5. Personal Planning Information and Document Inventory Worksheets. (US-00PPF)
  6. Financial Statement-Universal Form (US-00522-J)

II. DESCRIPTIONS OF FORMS

Brief descriptions of the forms contained in your U.S. Legal Forms™ Personal Planning Package are found below.

Last Will and Testament – Complete this form to detail in writing your wishes regarding who is to receive your property at death and who will administer your estate. It also enables you to appoint trustees or guardians, if applicable. (Control number varies)

General Durable Power of Attorney – This General Durable Power of Attorney is a general, durable power of attorney which is effective IMMEDIATELY. This form allows you to appoint an attorney-in-fact (agent) to make decisions regarding property, financial, business, banking, management and other matters for you. The powers granted to an Agent in this Power of Attorney are very broad, but do NOT provide for health care services. This form complies with all applicable state statutory laws. (DE-P003A)

Statutory Advance Health Care Directive - Health Care, Standby Guardian and Living Will Provisions - This is a statutory form that is provided for in the Delaware Statutes. This form allows you to express your wishes and desires regarding whether or not your life is prolonged by artificial means and to make any health care decisions for you. (DE-P021)

Estate Planning Questionnaire – Complete this form to assist attorneys, estate planners, and other professionals with details regarding your home and other property you own and additional assets including investments, life insurance policies, individual retirement accounts and so forth so that they can best recommend a course of action regarding your estate. (DE-WIL-801)

Personal Planning/Documents Inventory Form – Complete this form to retain important information on file relevant to your life such as names of relatives, their contact information, your medical information, financial asset inventory, the location of your important legal documents and more. (US-00PPF)

Financial Statement Form – Universal Use - This form outlays the assets and liabilities of an individual. The form contains sections which ask the individual to identify the following: current assets, current liabilities, deferred assets, and net worth. (US-00522-J

If you need additional information, please visit www.uslegalforms.com and look up forms by subject matter. You may also wish to visit our legal definitions page at http://definitions.uslegal.com/

III. LEGAL DOCUMENT STORAGE

Once you prepare legal documents and forms in your U.S. Legal Forms™ Essential Legal Life Documents Package, it is highly recommended that you keep forms together. An optional USLegal Life Documents is available for purchase from www.uslegalforms.com to help store your legal documents.

Legal documents should also be kept in a very secure place such as a bank safe deposit box or personal home safe. You may wish to tell your attorney or a family member about the location of your Legal Life Documents Package in the event you are unable to communicate it to them when needed.

IV. TIPS ON COMPLETING THE FORMS

The form(s) in this packet may contain “form fields” created using Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (".pdf" format). “Form fields” facilitate completion of the forms using your computer. They do not limit your ability to print the form “in blank” and complete with a typewriter or by hand.

It is also helpful to be able to see the location of the form fields. Go to the View menu, click on Toolbars, and then select Forms. This will open the Forms toolbar. Look for the button on the Forms toolbar that resembles a shaded letter "a". Click this button and the form fields will be visible.

By clicking on the appropriate form field, you will be able to enter the needed information. In some instances, the form field and the line will disappear after information is entered. In other cases, it will not. The form was created to function in this manner.

V. DISCLAIMER

These materials were developed by U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. based upon statutes and forms for the subject state. All information and Forms are subject to this Disclaimer:

All forms in this package are provided without any warranty, express or implied, as to their legal effect and completeness. Please use at your own risk. If you have a serious legal problem, we suggest that you consult an attorney in your state. U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. does not provide legal advice. The products offered by U.S. Legal Forms (USLF) are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL U.S. LEGAL FORMS, INC. OR ITS AGENTS OR OFFICERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OR PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE MATERIALS, EVEN IF U.S. LEGAL FORMS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

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What the Delaware Life Documents Planning Package Is

The Delaware Life Documents Planning Package is a bundled set of core end-of-life and incapacity documents tailored for Delaware residents. Typical contents include a last will and testament, durable power of attorney, healthcare directive (advance directive), HIPAA authorization, and an optional personal property memorandum; forms are presented so parties can name agents, specify distributions, and set health and financial directives. The package is designed to be completed, signed, witnessed, and notarized where required, then retained by the principals and their counsel or agent for easy access during incapacity or after death.

Why a Consolidated Life Documents Package Matters

A single, consistent package reduces gaps between estate, health, and financial directives and makes intentions easier to locate and enforce during emergencies or probate.

Why a Consolidated Life Documents Package Matters

Who Typically Completes This Package

Individuals and households use the package to centralize end-of-life decisions and legal authority for agents and executors.

  • Seniors and caretakers who want clear instructions for medical and financial decisions.
  • Estate planning attorneys preparing probate-ready documents and self-proving wills.
  • Financial institutions and trustees verifying appointed agents and account access authority.

Step-by-Step: Complete the Package Correctly

Follow these sequential steps to reduce errors and meet notarization and witness requirements for Delaware life documents.

  • 01
    Gather IDs: Collect government-issued ID for each signer and witness before signing.
  • 02
    Fill Forms: Enter all names, addresses, dates, and agent designations clearly and consistently.
  • 03
    Sign with Witnesses: Sign in presence of required witnesses; have witnesses sign and provide contact details.
  • 04
    Notarize: If the document or state requires notarization, complete notarial acknowledgement or affidavit.

How Execution and Delivery Typically Flow

These primary routing steps show who receives and stores copies after the package is completed and notarized.

  • Signer Execution: Principal signs each document in the required order with witnesses and notary present.
  • Witness Acknowledgement: Witnesses complete required attestations and provide contact information for self-proving affidavits.
  • Notary Acknowledgement: Notary completes the certificate and logs the notarial act per state rules.
  • Distribution: Provide original to executor/agent, file copies with attorney, and retain digital copies for accessibility.

Typical Digital Workflow Settings for Online Completion

When using an electronic signing platform, configure authentication, signer order, and retention settings to match legal requirements.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Sequential signing to ensure principals sign before witnesses and notary
Authentication Email link plus optional SMS or knowledge-based authentication
Notary Mode Enable remote online notarization (RON) if permitted and supported
Retention Settings Enable automatic PDF export and audit trail retention

Distribution Channels and Technical Requirements

Choose delivery methods that meet legal requisites (authentication, notarization, witness presence) and preserve audit trails.

  • Supported Formats: PDF and Word DOCX are standard for legal consistency
  • Integrations: Connect with CRM and storage like Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • eSignature Capabilities: Platform should support audit trails, RON, and HIPAA-ready workflows

Ensure the chosen platform supports export of a signed PDF with a complete certificate of completion, preserves tamper-evident seals, and integrates with secure cloud storage for long-term retention.

Core Components Included in the Package

A professional Delaware package contains distinct documents addressing testamentary disposition, financial authority, medical choices, privacy releases, and supporting instructions.

Last Will

Names an executor, specifies asset distributions, and can reference a personal property memorandum for movable items to avoid probate disputes and speed administration.

Durable POA

Grants an agent authority to manage finances and property during incapacity; must be durable to remain effective if the principal becomes incapacitated.

Health Care Directive

Specifies end-of-life preferences, life-sustaining treatment choices, and appoints a healthcare agent to act on the principal’s behalf.

HIPAA Authorization

Permits covered entities to release protected health information to named agents; required for practical access to medical records and care coordination.

Self-Proving Affidavit

Notarized statement attached to a will that can eliminate witness testimony at probate, reducing delay and litigation risk.

Personal Memo

Non-probate list of tangible personal property and funeral preferences to provide clear guidance without altering the will’s residuary clause.

Downloadable Formats and Supporting Documents

Provide multiple file formats and common attachments so executors and agents have everything required for administration and health access.

Signed PDF

Final, tamper-evident PDF with embedded audit trail and certificate of completion for courts, banks, and medical providers.

Editable DOCX

Modifiable Word file for attorney revisions or jurisdiction-specific edits prior to final signing.

Notary Acknowledgement

Standard notarial block or RON certificate included for use with an authorized notary public.

Executor Checklist

Stepwise checklist for executors and agents covering filing, asset inventory, and key notifications after signing.

Timing Considerations and Important Deadlines

Certain items have timing implications for tax, employment, or healthcare records; plan signing and distribution to meet those timelines.

W-9 and Tax Forms:

W-9 provided upon payer request; incorrect TINs can trigger backup withholding at 24%.

I-9 Recordkeeping:

Retain I-9 forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later (8 CFR §274a.2).

Income Tax Filings:

Individual returns due April 15; extensions via Form 4868 maintain tax deadlines and documentation timing.

Self-Proving Affidavit:

Attach affidavit at signing to avoid witness testimony delays during probate.

RON and Notary Scheduling:

Schedule notarization or RON session before witnesses disperse; some RON providers require advance booking.

Key Milestones from Preparation to Filing

Track these four milestones to ensure the package is legally enforceable and promptly available when needed.

01

Document Preparation

Complete forms and verify all names, dates, and agent designations are correct before signing.

02

Execution Session

Coordinate principal, witnesses, and notary; sign and date in required sequence.

03

Notarization / RON

Notary completes certificate and retains any required journal or audio-video record for RON sessions.

04

Distribution and Filing

Provide originals to executor/agent, file copies with attorney, and archive digital copies securely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Inconsistent names across documents causing ambiguity at probate or when financial institutions review authority.
  • Failing to include successor agents, leaving no clear authority if the first agent is unavailable.
  • Skipping notarization or self-proving affidavits where advisable, which can require witnesses to testify in probate.
  • Using vague health directives that require judicial interpretation during urgent medical decisions.

Consequences of Errors or Omissions

Probate Delays: Missing or invalid witness/notary steps can extend probate and increase costs.
Financial Liability: Acting without clear POA authority can expose agents to liability and bank rejection.
Tax Penalties: Incorrect reporting or missing forms may trigger penalties under IRC §6721.
I-9 Violations: Improper recordkeeping can result in fines under 8 CFR §274a.2.
HIPAA Breach Risk: Insufficient HIPAA authorization language may prevent access to medical records and risk privacy violations.
Invalid Documents: Noncompliant execution can render instruments void or contestable in court.

Security and Compliance Features to Expect

In-Transit Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3
Data At Rest: AES-256 encryption
Audit Trail: Tamper-evident certificate
HIPAA Support: BAA available
Regulatory Standards: SOC 2 Type II
International Standards: ISO 27001

eSignature Vendor Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Basic pricing and common enterprise features for reference when selecting an eSignature provider to execute life documents.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Representative Examples of Use in Practice

Real-world examples show common workflows and organizational benefits when completing life documents online.

Optica Ventures (Brian Fitzgibbons)

The team standardized document handling to reduce back-and-forth with clients.

  • They reported faster completion for routine packages.
  • The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

Martin Properties (Tim Martin)

A property manager needed remote execution for multiple tenants simultaneously.

  • Digital signing let them complete all required forms without in-person meetings.
  • I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security.

Frequently Asked Questions About Completion and Execution

Answers to common legal and practical questions about executing, notarizing, and storing the Delaware Life Documents Planning Package.


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