The point of comprehensive, holistic estate planning is to examine all of the realities that go along with the inevitable process of aging and prepare yourself and your family for any possible eventuality. Some of these things are not pleasant and there is no candy coating them, but they need to be addressed all the same. Nobody is especially anxious to think about a time in the future when they may become unable to make their own decisions, but we have all known or heard about people in this … [Read more...] about Conservatorship and Guardianship
Patient Privacy & The HIPAA
Laws are often passed that provide some form of protection while simultaneously creating impediments that were really not intended, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is one of these. The HIPAA was originally passed back in 1996, and the letter of the law was completed and passed down by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2001. Health care providers and medical insurers are in possession of the medical records of the people they treat and insure, and the … [Read more...] about Patient Privacy & The HIPAA
Five Wishes Provide A Framework
Modern estate planning involves more than just the financial realities that go along with aging, and more and more people are coming to realize this. Living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care are now typically included in estate plans, and this is a very positive step. In our culture we tend to shy away from discussions surrounding death, but it is important to let your family know your thoughts concerning the way that you would like to be treated at the end of your … [Read more...] about Five Wishes Provide A Framework
The Wide Scope Of Probate Law
Probate is the legal process that an estate has to go through unless steps have been taken to avoid it, and of course probate lawyers represent the interests of their clients in probate or surrogate court. But they typically handle myriad issues beyond the matter of the probate proceeding itself, and many probate lawyers offer holistic planning solutions to their clients. The senior citizen population is the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States. And when you drill down … [Read more...] about The Wide Scope Of Probate Law
Home Sweet Home
Choosing to remain in your home instead of living in a nursing home, can save you loads of money in the long-run. A host of in-home health care and companionship services are available to seniors who prefer to stay in their own home, rather than live in an assisted living or nursing home, surrounded by strangers. Staying in your house means you are surrounded by all your own possessions and feel a greater connection to the memories you and your family have made in your home. Many times it is … [Read more...] about Home Sweet Home
What’s the Difference Between a Living Will and a Last Will and Testament?
In the world of estate planning, there are a variety of documents you can use to protect your assets, provide for your loved ones and plan for unforeseen events. One of the most common of these documents is the Will, but not every type of Will is the same. For example, a Last Will and Testament is the traditional “Simple Will” that outlines how your assets should be distributed after you’re gone. This document can also be used to set up a trust after your death and it can designate who should … [Read more...] about What’s the Difference Between a Living Will and a Last Will and Testament?
Preparing Yourself for the Possibility of Disability
No one wants to think about the possibility of becoming disabled. However, like death, disability can occur without warning at any time. You might want to consider having a plan in place in the event of an unexpected disability. A good estate planning attorney can help you create a plan that meets your needs, using a variety of incapacity planning documents. Create a Living Will A Living Will is designed to describe what sort of medical treatment you want prior to death. It is not used to … [Read more...] about Preparing Yourself for the Possibility of Disability
