When the unexpected happens, having Powers of Attorney documents in place can make a difference in getting the care and treatment you want and need. Join us to learn about the different types of advanced directives, which ones you need,…
It is tough to know when you should step in and help your parents with their finances. You may go back and forth about when to take over. Deciding whether your parents still have the cognitive ability to manage their…
A power of attorney is a document that grants various powers and responsibilities to a trusted third party or “agent” who can act on your behalf. This document usually only allows an agent to make non-medical decisions on your behalf.…
While everyone should have a durable power of attorney that appoints someone to act for them if they become incapacitated, in some circumstances it is not enough. In these cases, a revocable trust can help. A durable power of attorney…
A recent court case involving a power of attorney demonstrates the problem with using online estate planning forms instead of hiring an attorney who can make sure your documents are tailored to your needs. Mercedes Goosley owned a home in…
A power of attorney is a very important estate planning tool, but in fact there are several different kinds of powers of attorney that can be used for different purposes. Before executing this crucial document, it is important to understand…
No one wants to face the fact that our loved ones will not be with us forever. Facing our own mortality is frightening as well. Although none of us wants to contemplate a time when we or a loved one…
If you’re a baby boomer, you may already have had “the talk” with your growing children. But have you had “the talk” with your aging parents as well? That talk involves a frank discussion with parents about financial arrangements for…
With careful Medicaid planning, you may be able to preserve some of your estate for your children or other heirs while meeting the Medicaid asset limit. In Illinois, a nursing home resident covered by Medicaid may have no more than $2,000 in “countable” assets.
While the paperwork is vital, especially when family members disagree, family discussion can be even more important. Advance Directives should be part of a broader discussion, including how do you want to be cared for and by whom, where do you want to live and what do you want out of your final years?