Personal Affairs Resources:
International
Practical and authoritative information for personal affairs planning outside Canada and the United States, covering emergency preparedness, health information, important documents, and other matters that may help you prepare for incapacity or an unexpected emergency.
International resources
International organizations provide useful guidance on emergency preparedness, health, document recognition and other issues that may apply across national borders. Local laws and procedures should always be confirmed in the country where you live.
Guidance from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on preparing households and communities for emergencies, disasters and other unexpected events.
World Health Organization information on health, medical emergencies and public-health issues that can help with personal preparedness and planning.
Information from the Hague Conference on Private International Law about the Apostille Convention and the authentication of certain public documents for use in another country.
International Committee of the Red Cross resources that can help reconnect family members who become separated because of disasters, conflict or other major emergencies.
What to research where you live
Laws, documents, health systems and emergency procedures vary considerably between countries. Use official government, health-system or legal sources where you live to confirm how the following matters are handled.
Powers of attorney or substitute decision-makers
Find out how to legally authorize someone to make financial, property or personal-care decisions for you if you become unable to make them yourself.
Advance care planning and health-care decisions
Check whether your jurisdiction recognizes advance directives, health-care proxies, living wills or other ways of recording your wishes and naming someone to make health-care decisions.
Emergency and medical information
Determine which emergency numbers, medical identification systems, emergency-contact services and personal health information are recommended where you live.
Government identification and vital records
Find out how to obtain, replace or update passports, national identity documents, birth certificates, marriage records and other important official records.
Health coverage and medical records
Check how health coverage works, how to access your medical records and what someone acting on your behalf may need in an emergency.
Organ and tissue donation
Find out whether your country has an official donor registry, an opt-in or opt-out system, or other requirements for recording your wishes.
Wills and incapacity planning
Confirm the requirements for wills, incapacity documents and related legal arrangements in your jurisdiction.
Access to important accounts and digital information
Research any local rules or service requirements governing access to financial accounts, online accounts and digital assets when someone is incapacitated or otherwise unable to manage them.