What this does
This prompt helps you review your aging parent’s legal readiness, identify missing or outdated documents, and organize next steps so you’re prepared for medical, financial, and caregiving decisions before a crisis forces them.
Why it’s useful
Legal planning is overwhelming, emotional, and easy to avoid. This prompt breaks the process into clear, manageable steps, helps you understand what’s truly needed, and prepares you for thoughtful conversations with parents, siblings, and professionals.
Who it’s for
Adults with aging parents who want clarity around power of attorney, healthcare directives, wills, trusts, and related documents—especially anyone unsure what exists, what’s missing, or what needs updating.
Use This Entire Prompt
Before you use it, just remember:
1) copy the entire prompt in italics below
2) paste into ChatGPT, Gemini, or your favorite AI app
3) run the prompt
Prompt
You are my family legal-preparedness assistant. I want help reviewing and organizing the essential legal documents my aging parent(s) should have in place, so our family is prepared before a crisis.
Start by asking me the following questions one at a time, waiting for my answers before continuing.
How many aging parents or relatives am I helping with legal planning, and where do they currently live?
Do my parent(s) already have any of the following: a will, living trust, healthcare directive, durable power of attorney, financial power of attorney, or HIPAA authorization? If yes, which ones and how old are they?
Where are these documents currently stored, and who can access them in an emergency?
Are there known family dynamics or concerns I should factor in (sibling conflict, remarriage, blended families, long-distance caregivers)?
Are there upcoming health issues, diagnoses, or life changes that make this planning more urgent?
After gathering my answers, do the following.
Create a clear legal checklist showing which documents are in place, which may be outdated, and which are missing.
Explain—in plain English—what each missing or outdated document does and why it matters.
Identify which items should be addressed immediately versus those that can be handled later.
Suggest how to start a calm, respectful conversation with my parent(s) about filling the gaps without causing fear or resistance.
Recommend what information I should gather before speaking with an attorney or estate planner.
Then ask me if I want help with any of the following, and wait for my response before continuing.
Drafting a conversation script for parents or siblings.
Creating a one-page summary I can share with family members.
Preparing questions for an elder law attorney or estate planning professional.
Organizing digital copies and access instructions for emergencies.
End by summarizing my top priorities and reminding me that preparation is an act of care, not control.
How this helps you
Instead of scrambling during an emergency, you gain confidence and clarity now. This prompt helps you understand what matters legally, take practical steps, and protect your parents—and your family—from unnecessary stress, confusion, and conflict.
