Q. Our grandson will be graduating from college soon, and we would like to get him a gift which recognizes the beginning of his adult life and career. We thought that something of a “legal” nature might be worthwhile, and wondered if you have any ideas? A. Great thought and indeed I do. Why not arrange… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Powers of Attorney
Are Your Estate Planning Documents HIPAA Compliant?
Q: I heard on a radio program that Living Trusts should be HIPAA compliant, but I didn’t quite catch the full comment. Can you shed any light on this? A. Sure. Most trusts and powers of attorney contain provisions which call for a change in trustee or agent when the maker of these instruments (you)… Read More »
How To Assist Physically Impaired Persons to Sign Legal Documents
Q. My husband suffered a stroke and is essentially paralyzed. However, his mind is sharp. I need him to sign a Power Of Attorney so that I can take care of our financial affairs. Is there any way to do this? A. Yes. Where a person has sufficient mental capacity to understand the nature of… Read More »
Legal Action Plan After a Dementia Diagnosis
Q. My husband was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but still seems to be generally okay. Are there legal steps we should take by way of planning for the future? A. Yes. Once you or loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, it is important to take action to get your affairs in order. Here is… Read More »
Mediation Can Help Preserve Family Harmony
Q. My parents are aging and I find that they are in greater need of assistance for care, paying bills, shopping, and the like. The problem is that there are four of us children and we do not always agree on what is best for mom and dad. I am concerned that, as my parents’… Read More »
The 5 Parts Of A Good Estate Plan
Q. My wife and I would like to set up a basic estate plan. What are the essentials? A. Many people believe that if they have a will, their estate planning is complete. But, actually, there is much more to a good estate plan. A good plan should be designed to avoid probate, minimize estate… Read More »
When a ‘Last Will’ Is Not Enough
Q. My wife and I were wondering whether we would need more than a Last Will for each of us to cover what happens upon death. Is a Will usually enough? A. Good question. The simple answer is “No”. Usually more planning documents are necessary, or at least strongly advisable. While a Will is an… Read More »
Can I Use My Father’s POA to Help Him Qualify for Medi-Cal?
Q. My father is in a nursing home and could really use a Medi-Cal subsidy to help with the cost, which is running about $9,500 per month. He has dementia and cannot manage his own finances. Years ago he signed a Power Of Attorney naming me as his agent. Can I use it to make… Read More »
The Current Pandemic and Your Estate Planning Documents
Q. My wife and I signed our estate planning documents quite some time ago. In view of the current COVID-19 Pandemic, we wonder whether there are any revisions we should consider? A. Excellent question. The short answer is, “Yes”. Here are some specific suggestions relating to some important estate planning documents which you probably signed:… Read More »
An Approach to Handling Legal Affairs When Your Spouse Can’t Sign
Q. My husband suffers from dementia and we have significant expenses for care in the home. In order to help with these expenses, I have been thinking about selling our vacation property which we no longer use or cashing in one of his annuities. I would also like to set up a Living Trust and… Read More »