So long as you are able to make your own health care decisions, you will continue to do so. But, if there comes a time, and there usually does, when you are not able to make health care decisions on your own, it is imperative that you have these 3 absolutely essential health care documents. 1. A medical power of attorney is essential The medical power of attorney is a power of attorney for a specific use -- granting consent to medical treatment. You appoint a health care agent to act on … [Read more...] about 3 Absolutely Essential Health Care Documents
Blog – Latest Articles and Updates
Why Your Will Won’t Work!
Your will won’t work. If you’re like most people, this is a bold and confusing statement. You know that everyone needs a will, but what’s the point in having one if it doesn’t work? Why won’t your will work? Your will won’t work the way you want because it doesn’t control most property. 1. Tangible personal property The term, “tangible personal property,” refers to what you call your “stuff.” It is your personal property such as your furniture, clothing, jewelry, art, and tools. It is … [Read more...] about Why Your Will Won’t Work!
4 More Things Your Estate Plan Can Do (Part Two)
If you’re like most people, you know that you need some sort of estate plan, but aren’t completely sure why. Here are 4 more things your estate plan can do. 1. Help a favorite cause Charitable planning is an important part of estate planning. It is a way of leaving your legacy or making your mark on the world. Helping a favorite cause may be as simple as making provisions for a $1,000 gift or bequest to your community library or as complex as establishing a private family foundation that … [Read more...] about 4 More Things Your Estate Plan Can Do (Part Two)
4 Things Your Estate Plan Can Do (Part One)
If you’re like most people, you know that you need some sort of estate plan, but aren’t completely sure why. Here are 4 things your estate plan can do for you: 1. Plan for your disability If you become disabled during your lifetime, your estate plan will provide the authority and instruction for your trusted helpers (your trustee or agent) to act on your behalf. Your financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and revocable living trust all contain disability provisions. 2. … [Read more...] about 4 Things Your Estate Plan Can Do (Part One)
The First 4 Steps of Estate Planning
Estate planning may seem difficult or complicated if you haven’t done it before. But, estate planning attorneys are specially trained to gently walk you through the estate planning process, helping you to set goals and make important choices. Here are the first 4 steps in estate planning: 1. Hire an estate planning attorney. This is no time to be messing around with Legal Zoom and the like. Estate planning is a complicated area of law and making a mistake or missing an opportunity could … [Read more...] about The First 4 Steps of Estate Planning
I Want to Avoid Probate
Many people seem to know that they want to avoid probate even if they aren’t sure why. Here are some reasons you might want to avoid probate: What is probate? First of all, what is probate? This is a common question and even when people know they want to avoid probate, they’re not sure what it is. The term “probate” is commonly used for two processes: the process by which the probate court determines the validity of a will and the entire process of settling an estate. What happens during … [Read more...] about I Want to Avoid Probate
Advice from Nursing Home Lawyers: Choosing a Nursing Home (Part 2)
As elder law attorneys know, choosing a nursing home is a highly stressful task. In “Choosing a Nursing Home (Part 1), we provided important questions you may want to ask when evaluating a nursing home: certification, contracts, privacy, patient rooms, and security. Part 2 provides suggested questions regarding food, common rooms, health care, personal care, activities, and visitors. If you have further questions, consult with a qualified elder law attorney. Food What is the quality and … [Read more...] about Advice from Nursing Home Lawyers: Choosing a Nursing Home (Part 2)
Advice from Nursing Home Lawyers: Choosing a Nursing Home (Part 1)
As elder law attorneys, we know that choosing a nursing home is a highly stressful experience. So, we’ve provided some sample questions that you can use when choosing a nursing home for your loved one. If you have further questions, consult with qualified elder law attorneys. Nursing home certification Does the nursing home have a state-issued operating license? And, does the nursing home administrator have a state-issued license? Is the nursing home certified to receive Medicaid and … [Read more...] about Advice from Nursing Home Lawyers: Choosing a Nursing Home (Part 1)
What is Trust Settlement?
If you’re like most people, you’ve heard the term “estate administration,” but may not be familiar with the term “trust settlement.” Trust settlement is similar to estate administration, but not the same. Both terms refer to wrapping things up after a death. Here is some information to help you understand trust settlement. Who’s in charge of trust settlement? The trusted family member, friend, or professional that you named as trustee of your trust is in charge and holds legal title to … [Read more...] about What is Trust Settlement?
Small Estates and Probate
Many people are determined to take steps so that their estate will avoid probate when they die, and while this can be very helpful for some, it is important to realize that probate for a small estate may not be that big of a problem. The real dilemma will be in determining what would constitute a small estate. A small estate is basically any estate with assets subject to probate that are less than $15,000 (in Kentucky), though this amount can vary by state. Assets such as life insurance … [Read more...] about Small Estates and Probate
