At some point in your life you will likely wish to appoint someone as your agent under a power of attorney. You may also be appointed as an agent in someone else's power of attorney. While you may have a basic understanding of what a power of attorney can accomplish it is best if you have a much more thorough understanding of the authority that can be granted under a power of attorney in St Louis Missouri, the different types of powers of attorney, and the limitations of a power of … [Read more...] about What Is a Power of Attorney in St. Louis Missouri?
Think Twice Before Signing a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney, or POA, can be an extremely helpful legal document, which is one reason why it is so widely used. The ability to give another individual the authority to conduct business on your behalf comes in handy in many situations. A POA is an especially popular legal document for seniors; however, it is also often used to deceive and defraud those same people. If you have been asked to sign a POA by someone, the best thing you can do is to have your estate planning attorney review the … [Read more...] about Think Twice Before Signing a Power of Attorney
Five Important Estate Planning Considerations for Blended Families
Blending two families often comes with its share of ups and downs. Spouses who are busy trying to handle the emotional and practical aspects of blending families often forget about some of the estate planning considerations that a blended family brings with it such as: Fiduciaries – the executor of your will, an agent in a power of attorney, or a trustee of a trust all wield considerable power within your estate plan. Once two families are blended you may wish to reconsider these roles and … [Read more...] about Five Important Estate Planning Considerations for Blended Families
The Danger of Using A Boilerplate Power of Attorney
The old adage “You get what you pay for” often applies when talking about legal advice or forms. While the temptation is great to search for legal forms on the internet in an attempt to save money and time, think twice before doing so. People often make the mistake of thinking that a power of attorney form is a relatively simple legal form and that using one found on the internet is harmless. The truth, however, is that a boilerplate power of attorney form can potentially do far more harm than … [Read more...] about The Danger of Using A Boilerplate Power of Attorney
The Importance of An Advanced Directive for the GLBT Community
Advanced directives, also known as health care directives or living wills, are common estate planning tools that can be used by anyone. Although the importance of creating an advanced directives is applicable to anyone, it can take on heightened importance for members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender, or GLBT, community. State laws determine whether advanced directives are recognized within the state, and if so, what form they must take, what may be included, and what limitations … [Read more...] about The Importance of An Advanced Directive for the GLBT Community
Probate Overview
If you are considering the creation of an estate plan, one important consideration is often the avoidance of probate. In order to understand why avoiding probate is such an important facet of estate planning, you need to have a firm understanding of what probate is and how the probate process operates. Probate is the legal process that is often required when someone dies. Although the process may vary somewhat from one state to the next, there are commonalities. Probate begins when someone … [Read more...] about Probate Overview
Elder Law – How to Petition for Guardianship
If you have an elderly family member or loved one who has become incapable of caring for himself or herself, you may wish to step in and help make day to day decisions for your family member or loved one. Unfortunately, you may also have found out that having good intentions, or even being related to the person, is often not enough to allow you to make those decisions. Often, an appointment as guardian of the ward, or person who needs assistance, is required before you can help. State laws … [Read more...] about Elder Law – How to Petition for Guardianship
Aging Is A Journey, Plan Carefully
When you decide that you would like to go on a trip you are generally going to invest a good bit of time making preparations. Of course you want to identify your destination, and you will probably develop an itinerary. And if you are like a lot of people, you will consider all the contingencies that may arise and make sure that you are prepared to handle them. Life itself can be viewed as a journey, and along these lines it is important to make preparations for all the eventualities of aging. … [Read more...] about Aging Is A Journey, Plan Carefully
Do I Have to Probate My Dad’s/Mom’s Estate?
If you have recently suffered the loss of a parent, you may have a number of practical and legal questions regarding whether or not you need to probate your parent’s estate. When a decedent dies, many states require the estate assets to pass through a legal process known as probate. Which estates require probate, and which type of probate process is required, or available, will depend on a number of factors. The most important factor in determining whether an estate must pass through probate is … [Read more...] about Do I Have to Probate My Dad’s/Mom’s Estate?
What Is Medicaid?
Unfortunately, many Americans are without much needed health care coverage. As a result, people often cannot afford preventative health care or treatment for serious medical conditions. If you are without health care coverage, the Medicaid program may be an option. Most people have heard of the Medicaid program, but many do not know how the program is administered, what it covers and how you may qualify. Medicaid is a program that is funded by the federal government; however, the program is … [Read more...] about What Is Medicaid?
