Longtime Partners but Never Married (Part 4)
In my last 3 posts I have been telling you about the saga of Bill and Mary. First Bill had a stroke. Mary called concerned about how to care for him and still be able to afford to pay her bills. Most of the assets, including the house, are in Bill’s name. Should they
The Biggest Misconception about ALFs and Medicaid (Part 3)
The last two weeks I have been talking about the biggest misconception about assisted living facilities and Medicaid so let’s continue. I explained to Carol the issue with level of care – that her mom must establish the need for nursing home level care even
Sobering Story About Lack of POA
June is a month for celebrations. Whether it’s friends or family it seems there is always a prom, high school or college graduation or wedding to celebrate every year. It’s the good stuff in life. While I certainly don’t want to ruin the party, this week I do want
The Bank Says I Need Guardianship For Mom
Mary presented to the bank the power of attorney (POA) we had prepared and Mom signed in our office 2 years ago. It was a general durable power of attorney, giving Mary the ability to do banking on Mom’s behalf as well as other actions she might need to take
Lessons Learned from the Fight over Casey Kasem
Casey Kasem, the actor and radio personality best known as the host of American Top 40, a nationally syndicated radio program which aired in the 1970’s and 80’s, has recently been in the news for a different reason. His second wife and the children from his marriage to his first
Your Child is Turning 18 – What Does it Mean? (Part 3)
Last week we were discussing when it is appropriate for a parent to apply for guardianship of a child who turns 18. But, what if guardianship isn’t suitable? There is another option, called conservatorship. Conservatorship is sort of a middle ground between a guardianship and power of attorney. There is no
Your Child is Turning 18 – What Does it Mean (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing an issue which many parents are unaware of, the fact that they no longer have the legal right to make financial and medical decisions on their child’s behalf once he/she turns 18. A power of attorney and health care directive can be a good solution.
I’ve Got Power of Attorney – Why Do I Need Guardianship? (Part 3)
Last week I told you that we had filed an application on behalf of Catherine, who was seeking an appointment as guardian for her dad, Jerry. Catherine was very nervous that Jerry would fight it or that he would be angry with her for pursuing it. Nevertheless, she gave us
I’ve Got Power of Attorney – Why Do I Need Guardianship? (Part 2)
Last week I was telling you about Catherine and her dad, Jerry. As a result of a recent fall, Jerry was hospitalized. His health care directive, because it had been completed incorrectly, was useless and he refused to reveal to Catherine where his power of attorney could be found. We
I’ve Got Power of Attorney So Why Do I Need Guardianship? (Part 1)
Catherine called concerning her dad, Jerry. He had always been difficult “but Mom was able to deal with it”, she said. “Since Mom died, however, things have gotten worse.” Catherine faxed over to me her dad’s power of attorney and health care directive for me to examine. But the conversation