Act Now to Validate Aging Powers of Attorney
My uncle is in the hospital and needs me to pay bills on his behalf. In 2002, he named me as his financial power of attorney, so I could write checks for him when he couldn't, like now. But the bank is rejecting the document. They say it's too old.
An Estate Plan Is Necessary to Make Sure Your Final Wishes Are Carried Out
To be sure your final end-of-life wishes are followed; you must prepare an estate plan. Many put off making these plans thinking there is always time. The sad reality is that none of us are guaranteed time. Others may be bothered by the thought of death itself and allow this
Advance Health-Care Directives for Important Decisions
Imagining how we may perish is probably one of the hardest things we will ever have to think about. Yet, if we want our dying to be meaningful and merciful, it is imperative that we think about it while we still can. Most of us want to die at home,
The Importance of Clear End-of-Life Care Instructions
You would hope your living will was properly prepared and your resuscitation instructions or DNR (do not resuscitate) are in order. While your wishes in a living will may be appropriately documented, that does not guarantee the instructions will be carried out as you stated. The frightening truth is that
Elderly Americans Experiencing a Rise in Bankruptcy
A rising number of retirees and aging Americans are using bankruptcy as an option to get out of debt. While medical advances are keeping seniors alive longer, the associated healthcare costs in the quest for longevity are being off-loaded onto the older individual at a time when reduced income is
Elder Law and Prenuptial Agreements
As a married couple grow older, let’s use Ginny and George as an example, it is typical that they would like to leave their assets to their extended family when they pass. Unfortunately, Ginny was then diagnosed with cancer. She began to worry: What could happen if she died before George
The Benefits of Having an Elder Law Attorney
As retired Americans grow older, their dependency on the family to handle financial and health matters increase. They often believe that their family members will be able to take care of any issues that arise. While consulting with loved ones about plans and wishes can be beneficial, relying solely on
It Is Critical to Have a Health Care Power of Attorney
For serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s, it is essential to have a strong power-of-attorney to bring peace of mind. Additionally, it is important to know that a good “basic” advance-directive document needs considerable supplementation when it comes to a dreadful illness like ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ordinarily,
Second Marriages and Medicaid
A new spouse’s possible future illness and how much it might cost is most likely the last thing you think about when you say “I do” for a second or third time. But that could happen. Current costs for long-term care facilities can run between $70,000 – $150,000 annually. Studies
A Will Does More Than You Think
It is an unfortunately common and scary truth that most people have not composed their Last Will and Testament. Care.com’s annual estate planning survey for 2019 found that 57% of U.S. adults do not have a will. The survey found that participants were more likely or less likely to have