Not every person with an intellectual or developmental disability is unable to make health care and/or financial decisions. The impact and spectrum of disabilities varies widely from person to person and diagnosis to diagnosis. One person with Down Syndrome may…
There are many reasons clients are motivated to do their estate planning, but the two I hear most are they are going to be travelling, usually overseas, or they have an upcoming surgery. Nothing like flying across the ocean or…
What are the “powers” in Powers of Attorney? It is very common for clients to say to us, “My mom/dad/friend/sister/etc. just made me their Power of Attorney. What does that mean?” Here are some general rules to keep in…
Do you have financial and healthcare powers of attorney? Most people equate estate planning only with dying, but there are other important components of an estate plan that are relevant while you are alive, one of those is powers of…
First, let’s clarify what your estate planning documents are. Of course, they include your Will and any Codicils, and perhaps your trust or trusts. But they also include any powers of attorney (both financial and health care) as well as…
Dementia is a frightening disease, the last thing you want to feel is scared, isolated, and restricted. Ever wonder if there is a better, more creative way to provide care for a loved one diagnosed with dementia?…
Organ donation can be a difficult subject to discuss with family members, and can be an even more difficult subject when family members are faced with the decision after a loved one’s death. However, donating an organ or even…
What is Guardianship? The court approved process of appointing a person or agency to act on behalf of an incapacitated adult who is unable to manage some or all aspects of his or her care. What is Conservatorship? The court…
The New Year brings many new beginnings. We often start the New Year with good intentions and resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, curtail some of our other less than healthy habits, be kinder, more patient, travel more, and maybe…
The holidays are a time when sons and daughters return home to visit their parents. Often, they are surprised to see the decline in their parents’ health and independence. When this happens, the sons and daughters need to know what…
First, we have to understand the concept of a “hot document.” A hot document is one that confers authority. A Will is never a hot document until the Testator dies. A Power of Attorney usually confers authority at the time…
An agent is a person chosen by another person to act on their behalf. The person who chooses an agent is often called the “principal.” The agent represents the legal rights and responsibilities of the principal, but the principal does…
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